Jess And The Ancient Ones - Jess and the Ancient Ones

This occult rock movement continues to grow. And much stronger it is getting as Jess And The Ancient Ones has brought out a classic debut full length that will sit on the same shelf as the likes of Ghost, The Devil's Blood and many more. This is really fucking awesome stuff!

Enter a room with no lighting. Only candles flickering around to reveal the dark red walls surrounding you. Occult symbols etched into the floor and then the traditional riffs come into play, laced with a psychedelic touch, a soothing husky like voice that soars through and at times will just have enough force and lift, not trying to over do it to give that extra 'wow' factor. Songs that will sometimes be straight forward or sometimes lend a hand to a more progressive vibe with softer beginnings that blossom out into epic bliss. Now the walls and stained glass windows begin to weep..

The lead work is quite captivating. Simple but effective so much. Just listen to the way it virtually has full command of a song like the 10 minute epic 'Sulfur Giants' and combined with Jess's lifting voice in the chorus is truly the most jaw dropping moment on the entire album. There are plenty of moments throughout the album where the twin lead work and solos will come into play or simply just sprinkle and ring out their melodies across the songs. Very catchy and memorable. 'Come Crimson Death'.. Whoa!

The way the keyboards blend in for that psychedelic touch is just magical. Hovering in the background before building up with the riffs and then flashing out beams of light from the candles flickering on the walls. A fine example of an album where all the instruments have their time to shine. They are not overused either, rather joining in at just the right moments (eg: '13th Breath Of The Zodiac'). 

An extra ritual effect thanks to the drumming that at times can seem like the focal point of some of the songs, especially in moments like 'Sulfur Giants' and 'Twilight Witchcraft'. You can also grab moments out of songs like 'Ghost Riders' where it is carrying the lead work on its back and marching out into the cold night.

As for Jess's voice. It isn't one that is filled with varying styles. Just a distinctive tone that knows when to carry a note or lift a note with those occult lyrics at the right moment and when it does, it is perfect and provides many memorable moments throughout the album. I think of the more laid back 'The Devil (In G-minor)' for example, she makes that song sound heavy the way she lifts her voice and soars it along creating twists and turns.

I feel like the only person that wasn't blown away by The Devil's Blood latest album. I just didn't feel it had its memorable moments like the first album. I know it treads into more challenging waters, but the reason I bring them up is Jess And The Ancient Ones has produced a piece of magic that can be seen as quite challenging as well, only this one has become memorable almost instantly where as the former is still taking time. This will definitely make my end of year list. A dimming ritual that is simply superb!

Ikil