Ancient Ascendant The Heathen Throne (2008)

My Review:

This band is another astounding contribution to not only UK Death Metal, but the Death and Progressive genres as a whole. The band itself, Ancient Ascendant, sounds as though someone threw Bloodbath, Origin, and Dismember in a blender and set it to puree; learning from the faults of each, Ancient Ascendant has put together a truly magnificent album that is a "must have" for any progressive metal/death metal fan, as well as a fan of the aforementioned bands.

Starting strong with a vocal setup much like that of Dying Fetus, using the intonation of Dismember, this band offers a fast pace, well orchestrated run, through the essence of progressive death; fast, hard riffs coupled with diabolical solos, a well trained vocalist, and drumming that varies from the monotonous norm, all culminate to a poignant acme throughout this very punctual thirty minute album. Most notable could possibly be the aptitude that Ancient Ascendant has for versatility in ambiance by maneuvering the tempo throughout any given piece, all the while maintaining an inertia that is as original as it is impressive.

This band shows its talent right out of the gate this being not only their first CD, but also self produced.

Review from ukmetalunderground.com:

Ancient Ascendant are a varied mix of death metal the likes that Opeth and Bloodbath make their living performing. These guys however pull it off with all the flair and expertise that you'd expect from a band many times their age. Musically, their performance
and prowess is faultless. Their "go for the throat and squeeze the life out of it" attitude is offset by the often beautiful guitar solo's and intricate riffage appeals on so many levels that the first few listens to Ancient Ascendant were sheer joy. There are a lot of hot-shot players who can throw together a whirlwind of frantic riffs into a song, but it takes a unique breed of musician to make music as enthralling as the music that Ancient Ascendant produce. That kind of essence is rare.

Why did we choose them? Their album was so jaw droppingly good that a unanimous decision was made to champion these guys, as an unsigned/underground band they are a shining light in the UK scene. Other fledgling bands would do well to take note and have a listen -this band takes all kinds of chances with almost every aspect of their sound and the daring risks pay off. Quite simply, Ancient Ascendant stepped up to the plate and knocked every other player out of the park!

The Heathen Throne (2008)

Track List:
1. Clawing the Mark
2. The Archpyromancer
3. The Path to Heaven
4. Fear and Fury
5. Ascend
6. The Heathen Throne

Seed, and if you like it BUY IT show you're fuckin' support.