This is the first time I have come across Autumn Ni Dubhghaill, but hopefully it will not be the last as here we have an album which in many ways is minimalist yet packed full of emotion, darkness and hidden power. Apparently, this American folk artist has been releasing material for more than 25 years, which shows yet again that even someone who has been reviewing music as long as I have misses out on some incredible artists, so what chance do the general music buying public have? Autumn provides all vocals and instrumentation, as well as the cover artwork, while it was mixed by Robby Baier and mastered by Jack Control (Darkthrone, Inculter, Ice War etc.). Yes, you read that correctly, here we have an acoustic pagan folk artist who is being embraced by people from the Black Metal community, and I totally understand why, as there are a darkness and passion here which totally fits in with that style.
The mournful cello often sits behind the guitar (I am sure there are also balalaikas and mandolins), bodhrans are used sparingly, with her vocals cutting through like a sharp knife, but there are times when her voice changes and one can imagine her fronting a BM band of some import as she sounds like she is already dead. The arrangements push her vocals and lyrics to the front, and while there is a great deal of space within the layers there is also huge contrast in style and pace, often within the same song. This is not music to listen to in the light, but is designed for the darkness and shadows, as the light softens from being dimpsy through to full night, and creatures of the otherworld make themselves known. I find it difficult to comprehend that Autumn comes from Massachusetts, as there is nothing American about this whatsoever, it feels like it has come from the North of England, inspired by the likes of Fen, and then taken onboard Gothic influences from Incubbus Succubus, storytelling from Talis Kimberly, and majesty from Darkthrone and Emperor, all while being very much herself.
Available through Bandcamp, this is a huge album in so many ways, while also being simplistic and contained. For lovers of adventure and the dark side.
Rating: 9/10