Stereogum.com is premiering a new track from atmospheric UK black metallers FEN. “Towards the Shores of the End” is the title track from FEN’s split album with Sweden’s DE ARMA, which will be released on February 15th through Nordvis Produktion. One of four tracks contributed to the split by FEN, the song is representative of the band’s superbly composed dark and melancholic black metal that dives into fathomless oceans and sweeps endless horizons.
You can listen to “Towards the Shores of the End” at this location.
Praise for Towards Shores Of The End:
“This split is another must have for fans of the more progressive end of the black metal genre. It’s another stunning release that is sure to end up on many people’s best of lists and while splits aren’t typically regarded as highly as full lengths, Towards the Shores of the end deserves to be.” – CosmoGaming.com
“A captivating release, showcasing 2 highly atmospherically charged bands, each different in its style, but both none the less electrifying.” – Battlehelm
“Fen…dense, meandering and melodic black/dark metal with post-whatever overtones, perfect to dream and drift along with. To that extent, De Arma makes for a great companion, as they perform with a similar, evocative atmosphere that differs primarily in the more rasped vocals and traditional streaming of black metal currents in the guitar lines. Towards the Shores of the End is a good release, showcasing two good bands.”
– From the Dust Returned [Rating: 7/10]
“Why Fen isn’t being namedropped in the same instances as Wolves in the Throne Room or Alcest is beyond me. Heavy on the Goth/Black Metal vibe that does wonders for the whole affair. In no way a new Katatonia but give it time and we might see this one lurking up there to push the old masters of their pedestal. Frankly, I feel like I’m cheating myself of a good listening time writing this review.” – Currents-Online
“The seven tracks featured within are magnificent and ambitious in scope. both entities bring their own distinct brand of melancholy and sheer desolation to the proceedings. Over 50 minutes of grim, magnificent artistry from two of the very best from the Black Metal underground.”– Highwire Daze
“Fen is clearly continuing their musical journey with these 4 songs. I am even more excited for Epoch after hearing this split. Along with the Agalloch influence, there is the ever-growing progressive rock and post-punk/goth influence. [De Arma] produce solid atmospheric black metal with a great overall feel which is definitely a good compliment to Fen’s half. The riffs are a good mix of the standard trem-picked Darkthrone-inspired rhetoric and honest, creative black metal.” – The Inarguable Webzine
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FEN
An expression of loss and melancholic yearning, the primary goal with Fen is to draw the listener into a windswept and desolate landscape, bereft of hope. The band was born in early 2006 when Grungyn, Theutus and The Watcher came together to embark on a project that fused the cold rage of black metal with more reflective influences from the post-rock/shoegaze genres. Initially intended as a studio project, the three members quickly found a rich seam of creative inspiration and in the summer of 2006 recorded three songs that would end up as the Ancient Sorrow EP. The three members began to embark on a series of live shows in 2007 and during this period, Draugluin joined the ranks. In early 2007, the band were contacted by Northern Silence Productions who expressed interest in releasing the Ancient Sorrow EP on both CD and vinyl. This offer was gratefully accepted and in October 2007, Ancient Sorrow was released to great acclaim within the underground. During this period Fen played shows with key acts such as Agalloch, Skyforger and Negura Bunget, earning a reputation for intense and emotional performances. The band swiftly caught the attention of Code666 Records who signed the band for the release of their debut album, The Malediction Fields which was released in January 2009 and swiftly garnered very positive reviews. Early 2010 saw Æðelwalh replace Draugluin on keyboards & backing vocals. Armed with this latest line-up, the band spent the Spring touring with Negura Bunget before commencing the recording of their second album Epoch. |
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DE ARMA
Formed as a idea in 2009 by A. (Also known from the now-defunct Armagedda and Whirling) and later developed to a side-project, De Arma translates to “The Poor; The Poor Ones” and its music is built upon dreaming, soundscapes and atmospheres with varying vocal performances. |
