SPECIAL 2CD RELEASE OF THE CLASSIC 1996 SWEDISH BLACKENED DOOM METAL MASTERPIECE OF MELANCHOLY, ‘FOR SNOW COVERED THE NORTHLAND’. CONTAINS BONUS DISC OF DEMOS & RARITIES FROM THE EARLY YEARS OF THE BAND.
The roots of Ancient Wisdom trace back to 1992 when the project was formed by Marcus E. Norman (Throne of Ahaz/Bewitched) in Umeå, Sweden as Pain, then Ancient. After the release of the first demo ‘In The Eye Of The Serpent’ in 1993, the name was updated to Ancient Wisdom & the recording of the second demo, ‘Through Rivers Of The Eternal Blackness’ swiftly followed in December of 1993.
On the back of this, a deal was signed with Italian label Avantgarde Music, leading to the recording of the full-length debut album, ‘For Snow Covered The Northland’. The studio sessions took place in December of 1994, though the album did not see the light of day until 1996.
‘For Snow Covered The Northland’ was a triumphant journey of atmospheric & melodic blackened doom metal, with sombre & hypnotic guitar leads permeating the album to great effect amid the anguished screams. Also utilising acoustic guitar & piano/keyboard passages, the opus overall exudes an ambience of deep melancholy & despair. The album was recorded at The Garageland Studio, and produced by Henrik Kjellberg, plus drum programming was made by Fredrik Thorendal, founding member of Swedish legends, Meshuggah.
‘For Snow Covered The Northland’ has been remastered for this release & contains a bonus disc featuring extensive rare material from the early years of the band, including the ‘In The Eyes Of The Serpent’ & ‘Through Rivers Of The Eternal Blackness’ demos, plus rare promo & rehearsal tracks.
DISC 1
1. A Hymn To The Northern Empire (03:05)
2. In The Land Of The Crimson Moon (05:53)
3. They Gather Where Snow Falls Forever (06:05)
4. Through Rivers Of The Eternal Blackness (05:48)
5. The Journey Of The Ancients (05:36)
6. As Snow Covers The Northland (02:59)
7. No Tears At His Funeral (05:23)
8. Forest Of Summoned Spirits (04:29)
9. A Ravens Reflection Of
The Ancient Northland (08:22)
DISC 2
1. The Beginning (01:18)
2. The Sleep Within (05:12)
3. At The Other Side (04:37)
4. As The Shadows Dance (05:33)
5. Pastorale In E Minor (01:18)
6. Through The Rivers Of The Eternal Blackness (05:16)
7. They Gather Where Snow Falls Forever (06:31)
8. Forest Of Summoned Spirits (04:59)
9. The Journey Of The Ancients (05:57)
10. The Serpent`s Sleep Is Not Eternal (02:19)
11. In The Land Of The Crimson Moon (05:43)
12. Beyond The Moon (05:46)
13. Untitled (05:00)
