rewind: Alda - A Distant Fire

Alda

A Distant Fire

October 8th, 2021

Eisenwald

A band from around here in this western side of the state of Washington, Alda opens this album with a folk-influenced Americana sound that, for the local listeners, might remind them of the rain, clouds, and forests of the Pacific Northwest, and this serves as a subtle prelude to the band's more aggressive and direct musical approach later on. For fans of melodic black metal, I believe Alda’s skillful ability to shift seamlessly between melodic chaos and somber reflection makes the music a worthwhile listening experience.

It appears to me that while it is true that Alda’s sound functions well within the subgenre in general, this doesn't have to be a negative aspect, as it works well with the familiar elements such as acoustic guitars, blast beats, melodic vocals, melancholic tremolo picking, and all-out black metal extreme vocals, too. The band does well to infuse nuances and subtle additions, even without completely changing their foundation. To me, they experiment with rhythms, beats, and segments that keep the listening experience engaging.

It seems to me that the band’s art lies in their ability to maintain a solid balance of tradition and creativity. The album has lots of highlights, showcasing extended instrumental exploration and cool rhythmic ideas. The guitar work and vocal delivery certainly keep my interest, emphasizing their strong black metal basis while embracing the folk side, the imagined Pacific Northwest sound, and the sense of Americana. I think the combination of folk melodies and the intense sides makes a good sound that is often both pleasant and unhinged. Every instrument, melody, and phrase seem placed where it is in a conscious way. Years later, I still like the careful craftsmanship and the overall atmosphere of this work as a whole.

https://www.facebook.com/aldacascadia/