YYLVA, meaning 'she-wolf', in an Atmospheric Black Metal venture created by British artist and songwriter, Clare Webster. In a world where traditional heathen and ancestral values are rapidly being lost to the aether, YYLVA's etheric, harp-laden lullabies serve to connect us with our fading heritage. This is their debut album, containing seven tracks.

"A Foreshadowing" contains a pretty and solemn harp, with high reaching vocals. It's a bit sad, and perhaps indicative of what is to come. A second voice joins in at one point, adding some pretty harmonies to the song. The two-bar stanza continues throughout the song, as it slowly fades out at the end. "A Sidhe in Throes" opens with light vocal chanting, leading to a machine gun drumming pattern, with bells going up and down the scale. From there, it settles into a melancholy pattern, complete with emotional peaks in the vocals. Death vocals make an appearance as well, in support of the main croons. "Nepenthe" is a little bit heavier than the first two offerings, relying on a slow riff that churns away underneath the canopy of bells and strings. The vocals carry an acapella section at one point, mimicking the main melody line. As it labors on, it seems to get more and more despondent, building an anti-crescendo of sorts.

"Waterwings" is a short little peaceful song about dreams. The landscape is mellow, as you float above the ground, unsure whether or not if you are awake or asleep. Whispers at the end with gentle running water wake you. "Tears of Awakening" roars in with a somber guitar riff that leads to gentle harp chords and vocals. This song is much more wide open in terms of the genre of Atmospheric Black Metal, as extended Death vocals trade off with clean vocals in an air of sterility. Emotional peaks are explored in the clean vocals. "Aurorae" is an eleven-minute piece, exploring the gamut from harder, more aggressive passages with thunderous drumming and Death vocals, to passages that breathe, flow, and mesmerize you. It might be the most complete song on the album in this regard. It ends in a beautiful, reflective passage of harp and strings.

"Nienor" closes the album. Sorrowful tones open the song, with light harp notes falling down a scale like tears running down your cheek. The vocals are emotive and expressive, tentative at first, but reaching out later, beguiling you. The pattern continues as the sound of cold winds in the background pick up, talking hope with it, as the world turns dark, forever. Overall, this was a pretty unique album in the genre. The heavier moments didn't last long, and were tempered by the unabashed beauty of Clare's vocals and harp notes. The whole of the sound is very pretty and very emotional, and make your heart long for something that you can't quite put your finger on. Let this album carry you way to places you've only dreamt of, and behold the frail wonder that is awaiting you.