Burgonet – Ancient Armors And Forgotten Hymns

Burgonet, aside from being the name of a rather intricate renaisance helmet dating back to the 16th century and a precursor to a modern version of the combat helmet (much obliged Wikipedia), is now also the name of a Finnish Dungeon Synth-inspired Black Metal band (who incidentally pictures a suit of armor on this release wearing just such a helmet) – The precise number of members as well as the details of the bands inception best left up to the band members themselves, since my internet-scouring abilities have proven vastly insufficient in discovering these facts. 

What I did manage to delve from the dregs of the internet was evidence of a Demo being released last year, merely carrying the name Demo One – This particular release seems to have been the catalyst for what would later become Ancient Armors And Forgotten Hymns, four tracks tantalizingly simply entitled “I”, “II”, “III” and “IV”. Each of them a very immersive experience in their own right, with the strong Synth influences giving the otherwise very subdued performance an almost haunting allure without losing the somewhat gritty approach that comes with a heavily-distorted performance on guitar and gravelling vocals. 

For whatever the reason might be causing the band to be as anonymous online as they are I cannot say, nor will I speculate too much about it. What I will say is what they have given up in chances for ease of self-promotion to fans, venues and the like (by only having a record label and a BandCamp from what I could dig up), they gain in traction by letting their creation speak for itself – Ancient Armor And Forgotten Hymns is a strong addition to the more melodious and atmospheric end of Black Metal without fully embracing it, still keeping its rough edges all throughout the near-thirty minutes long playtime. And I for one applaud the approach. 

Recommended for fans of Griffon and mid-era Burzum, as evident by the link below to the track “I”, courtesy of their record label.  

Burgonet