From Bandcamp, "The long awaited follow up to 2013's "Omen In The Sky" finally emerges, carrying a more organic, earth driven sound, an evolution in songwriting, and a broader palette of influences. "The Free Man" is a first-person perspective of the rebel grappling with the reality of post-1066 England, experiencing terror, loss, alienation and a burning desire for revenge, spurred on by visions and apparitions. Written and recorded by Tim Shaw, black metal is blended with a more grounded, tactile approach to melody and rhythm, capturing a sense of place and historical weight." The album has eight songs, and "The Green Men" is first. It's heavy, dark, and aggressive, and you can hear the thudding thwack of bass guitar. The vocals are absolutely horrid, and the song seems to grow even darker as it moves. Sweet vocal harmonies come in later, and the contrast is stark.

"Sacred Water" goes even deeper and darker into the night, where shadows lie. But something happens I did not expect…before it dives, melody arises, and it's a delicate balance from there between calamity and sweetness. "Dispossession" is still pretty dark at its core, but beams of melody stream through the cracks. It's the balance between the two that the band holds so sacred, and it hangs on by a thread that is unbreakable. "The Forger" opens with clean guitars drenched in reverb, and what might come your way becomes a mystery. The riffs are thick and meaningful from there, and even have a groove that hooks. Subtle melodies try to take footing like an early spring flower, but old man winter still has a firm grip.

"Wither" begins with melody that is dark…tinged with sickness to the point that you can just start to see them diseased. The clean vocals are a nice surprise as well, and they have a folky cadence to them. Those bluesy lead breaks will catch you, that's for sure. "Exile" is a lengthy nine-and-a-half minutes, and if you are in the mood for a spur of the moment road trip, saddle up. The ride encompasses clear blue skies, threatening thunderheads, and everything in between, and the Progressive elements shine brighter here. The clean vocals are very well done, and they bring somber melodies with them that can grab and hold, while the bottom end sinks deeper into the sea. The fact that both of these things are happening at the same time is a testament to their songwriting.

"Uhtceare" has a piano led opening, and it's something completely different than previous songs. This instrumental hears the aggression retreat, and they present something beautiful that you can take with you. "The Free Man" closes the album, and it's another offering that tips the scale back to the shadows. It isn't just aggressiveness for the sake, however, it's just another arsenal in their weaponry reserve. This isn't your typical Black Metal release. Indeed, the duo are always looking for ways to color the palate, and to play outside of the sandbox. You can hear the riffs and the bass, and although the vocals are deeply guttural and filthy at times, it's the sophisticated sense of melody that really sets the band apart.