Band's List Avantgardiste Black Fen (UK) The Malediction Fields

The UK isn't the first place one thinks of when discussing black metal, and I admit that during my many discussions of the genre my own nation very rarely crosses my mind. Whilstb Britain has given us a few noticeable acts such as Anaal Nathrakh, Lyrinx and Self Inflicted Violence, I find for the most part, the black metal output of my island nation to be very severely lacking. Therefore, it is my deepest pleasure to be listening to the band Fen, who hailing from the UK have created a very powerful, poetic and emotional album with more than a few nods towards the American band Agalloch.

With easy comparisons to Agalloch most readers should be able to get a basic idea of what to expect from The Malediction Fields. Post rock inspired melodies mixed with soft and atmospheric black metal, a half screamed/half whispered vocalist akin to John Haugm, a suitably gloomy forest atmosphere. Fen function on a very similar to wavelength to Agalloch. Now, don't let this deter you, Fen aren't a carbon copy of the much more famous American band. Fen have their own identity, their own voice to speak. The songs aren't as accessible as those of Agalloch, with the black metal elements being much more at the forefront. Also the post rock elements are a very strong presence within the album, with frequent sections of the album being dedicated to mellow post rock instrumentals. The track Lashed by Storms in particular is comprised of a lengthy post rock instrumental that is very beautiful and emotional in its delivery.

Yet whilst Fen are particularly well versed in the realm of instrumental post rock, the black metal elements are where the band truly shows their colours. The black metal has slight nods towards the bands Agalloch and Drudkh, with maybe a few leanings towards band of the American ilk such as Wolves in the Throne Room. The black metal sections comprise of long, hypnotic melodies infused with the uppermost emotion and atmosphere. The vocals, highly reminiscent of John Haugm compliment the music greatly, adding even more depth and atmosphere. The clean vocals are also very good, flowing effortlessly over the music adding even more lush and soothing soundscapes.

It seems strange, at least to me that an English band plays a very American form of black metal, but alas, this is not a hindrance, and shows just how strongly the influence of the Cascadian scene has been felt across the globe. Of course, many elitists will attack Fen, and any other band of a similar heritage as not being true enough, or killing black metal. However if you're like me and you're a fan of Agalloch and other forward thinking dark metal bands then Fen is a name well worth looking into.