Whether it be his work with black metal band Nattenhimmel and the progressive doom metal group Strange New Dawn Norwegian solo artist Christian Botteri has always pushed the boundaries of music and its very definition. Ancient Call is his latest solo offering and the album is the result of self-reflection and the quest for meaning
Unique original yet also familiar it is also oddly and strangely hypnotic in places where the unique vocals match the effects-laden guitar to create a soundscape that is almost transcendent yet never safe. Ancient Call reflects this excellently where the riff grows and develops through repetition. “I am a dreamer “ is the declaration of The Journey of Winds that keeps the hypnosis going and tinges it with psychedelic cosmic sounds to create a strange yet immediately listenable song that tips its hat to the eighties with its drum patterns. The guitar work on Behind the Horizon is gorgeous in places and its lyrical concepts are refreshing in its honesty. Combined with new wave percussion it is the seamless combination of styles that is to be applauded. Christian Botteri has created a piece of art that is vastly expansive and introspective in equal measure.
Confusing, confounding wildly experimental yet also strangely restrained. It is a tense off-beat record that is purely Avant-garde in its ideas and scope. Genres are broken and traditional concepts are merged with a creative mind that cares little for convention. Ancient Call is at times indescribable yet also recognizable, dripping in atmosphere, a sense of wonder and hope this isn’t just an album but a deeply personal journey of growth and discovery. Christian Botteri has created a piece of art that is vastly expansive and introspective in equal measure.
Christian Botteri: Facebook
Release Year: 2024
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: Norway
Reviewed by Sparky
