EX TENEBRIS

Man, this is a tough one to get into. "Ex Tenebris" apparently is Latin for "From out of the darkness". And this is a dark, bleak and experimental album. Now i'm into dark music, but experimental ? Not so much. Also, there is so much slow paced, acoustic music , with little in the way of outbreaks. On a positive note we have none other than Mattias Olsson from ANGLAGARD on percussion and drums. And also we have mellotron on every track.

"Leaving The House Of Thanatos" is a song I like, opening with acoustic guitar, keys and male vocals, followed by mellotron and drums. Female vocals are added and organ.This is a nice slow paced tune with some soaring guitar towards the end. The next two songs "The Book Of Love" and "Soteriology" are both ok, mainly acoustic songs.

"Helen And Simon Magus" actually has an outbreak of guitar and organ. Earlier in the song we are treated to a good guitar melody. "Thirteen Days" is a short, slow acoustic song with flute. "A Strange Procession..." is like a dirge, with the drums and organ creating funeral procession-like music. "...A Dance Of Shadows" is my favourite song. Some good guitar melodies, mellotron, and keys. Later the guitar melody with drums and mellotron sounds great. Actually the instrumental passages of this song are outstanding.

This second record from WHITE WILLOW is a good one, but it is their lowest rated album for a reason. Not very melodic or accessible.