Band:	Fen
Album:	Carrion Skies
Style:	Post-rock, Atmospheric black metal
Release date:	November 22, 2014
A review by:	R'Vannith

Disc I
01. Our Names Written In Embers Part 1 (Beacons Of War)
02. Our Names Written In Embers Part 2 (Beacons Of Sorrow)
03. The Dying Stars
04. Sentinels
05. Menhir - Supplicant
06. Gathering The Stones

Disc II
01. Coffin Soil [DLP and wood box bonus]
02. Trilithon [DLP and wood box bonus]
03. Twilight Descends [DLP and wood box bonus]

Carrion Skies burns with an immediacy which distinctively rekindles the black metal of their style, and lessens the aimlessness of the thorough exploration of post-rock elements that haplessly formed the basis for much of Dustwalker. The impression left here is one of a band getting to the point, and remarkably so.

The build-up of all six tracks is considerably direct, the inspired propulsion of melodically dynamic guitar lines carries this record well out of the dire circumstance which led Dustwalker beyond the black and into less abrasive territories, to its general detriment. This effort reinitiates an energy less focused on a softer and variegated mix emphasising post-rock aesthetics, and the actively engaging rhythm section isn't overwhelmed in generally slow tempo and an unrealised attempt at a shoegaze domineered sense of atmosphere, as was Dustwalker's predicament. The ensconcing of clean vocals gives way to the growling of black metal, renewing such a stylistic basis which in many ways abolishes any doubts regarding the band's ability to write compelling material within the genre from which they draw much of their inspiration, their creativity being already well established from their debut onward.

A surprising sense of purpose and direction is obvious in this effort, and it easily carries the album above what immediately preceded it. As such, Carrion Skies offers a clear point of distinction leading off from the prior record. The drums no longer sound like the belting of a bucket, and the production lends them a satisfying density to drive the overall sound, drive being an operative word as the melodic construction of this track-list offers a return to the band's standard of quality in song writing, moving the music at a gripping pace. This isn't to forgo the expected atmospheric aspect, which is here interspersed between the segments promising a record which is less ambitious and more identifiably generic, yet also demonstrably more rewarding for listeners seeking a more abrasive and focused performance.

Fen have taken a linear approach in their latest album, no doubt, yet one which recalls how well the band can perform at their most volatile and direct. From open to close, Carrion Skies flows with clearly defined direction.