Wilderun - Epigone (2022)^{Release ID: 33234}

It may be surprising (hell it was surprising for myself) that an album that I listened to during December catchups back in 2019 would top my list of the best metal albums of 2019. But that’s what happened when Wilderun’s Veil of Imagination beat out year long contenders Saor and Cult of Luna. Going back and listening to the album again in preparation for Epigone, I realised that there were some mistakes that I may have overlooked in the name of artistic development; mostly in regards to how Wilderun attempted to include too much content at a given time…the exact opposite songwriting technique that Cult of Luna’s album used.

But this new album was only four “songs”, and allowed for Wilderun to narrow in on what they wanted. And I think they managed to pull it off with mostly positive results.

What I really enjoy about Epigone is the compositions. Wilderun are a more than capable group that can use tools from varying subgenres and make them work in a hybrid style. The Opeth worship is obvious on “Identifier” and “Distraction III”, the use of a full symphonic palette is implemented to its full potential, and even going so far as to include some excellent death metal grooves on “Distraction II” and “Passenger”. But here’s the issue once again: while it all comes together sounding epic, it feels like there is too much stuff happening. As a result, the Opeth/black metal passages with open guitar chords suppress the orchestration. Add the lead vocals on top of that and it can become overwhelming. It's the same problem that I have with even the best in Emperor's discography. In all honesty, the symphonic elements that happen during the quasi-death metal passages are the best on the record, because the guitar is relegated to rhythmic chugging while the strings and horns take the lead. The leads are great on “Woolgatherer”, “Passenger”, ”Distraction II” and “Distraction III”. These tracks feel connected by growing and falling with the direction of the lead and where the lyrics take it. Where “Woolgatherer” falls off for me is that it sounds like two different ideas stitched together around the seven minute mark.

Production is solid…mostly. Beyond the aforementioned hodgepodge of instruments, the hushed instrumentals on the intro “Exhaler” and the softer sections of “Woolgatherer” and “Distraction III” are excellent. The album also does not have any distorted audio hell moments that “The Tyranny of Imagination” had. Unfortunately, the prog metal “problem” of the synths sounding like ass still persists, but is the most egregious on “Identifier”.

It did take a while before this album began to click with me, a very different tale from two years ago. This album feels darker and less optimistic about its future and that is displayed through its bleaker sounding instrumentals. They are still very ebullient, and I do like it in comparison to other Opeth worshipping prog bands, but structural issues within each track make it a harder sell for me.