LP Review: "Crimson" by The Wandering Ascetic

Crimson

It's been awhile since I've checked out anything from Singapore, but our friends from Rudra are back.

Well, to be more precise, a couple of them are back. The Wandering Ascetic is a side project from half of the band.

The major difference between the two projects comes down to simple branding. Rudra is Vedic Black Metal, or as I read it Indian Pagan Metal.

The Wandering Ascetic is a neoteric take on semi-traditional black metal. Makes sense right?

This album is an absolute engineering gem. This record is the way metal should sound when it's hitting your speakers.

Because it sounds that great, it's even more immersing. The drums and bass are both clearly audible. The guitars aren't a massive blur of gain. Too many great albums have been recorded so poorly rendering them pointless.

Oh, the music? Yes, yes. Crimson is a straight ahead rock record that's been seriously metalized. The vocals are pure black metal. The guitars are riff  heavy rock. No listener will be wanting for blast beats here.

When all of the elements are added up, The Wandering Ascetic becomes something that's new to my ears. This is the reason everybody needs to at least give this album a try.

RELEASE 2/12/19 BANDCAMP FACEBOOK