The concept of storytelling within music stretches far back in time. Loose bonds between tracks or even a full-blown narrative complete with comic books, there is something special about making a conceptual album. It adds a touch of spice that can raise up mediocre albums. DAWN OF A DARK AGE however, have taken an idea (the six elements) and used it to form the basis of a six-album cycle. The Six Elements, Vol. 2 Water as it states, is the second part of these ongoing releases, scheduled to be complete in the summer of 2017.

"Intro / The Gates of Hell (In the Deepest Dark Abyss)" is a strange opener, a brooding guttural opening then opens into awkward clean vocals. Take these vocals with a grain of salt however as the closing moments of this track display some beautifully harsh techniques. The typical Black Metal approach to mixing is shown with a cavernous sound then grows and mutates, the softening of the kick drum allows for some interesting atmospheric moments, as it is spliced between the erratic gunshot-esque snare drum.

"The Old Path of Water (Where you Rot Slowly)" throws a curveball into the melting pot as its opening riff evokes some METALLICA b-side. As odd as this is, the following clarinet piece takes the award for strangest music instrument here.  It is both out of place and amateurish, the less said the better. Whilst previous tracks showcased an evolving sound, the notion of "lets turn it all up to 11, fuck it" is all that is shown here. At least the vocals still sound on point, even if they are lost within the music.

I always feel awkward when reviewing Black Metal, what comes across as musically odd, very well may have been a creative choice by the band. Black Metal itself is a very creative and theatrical device; perhaps this is why DAWN OF A DARK AGE doesn't come across as serious. Rather it is almost by the numbers Black Metal, less an homage, more a copy of the ideals.<