The Howling Void - The Glow of a Distant Fire

 The Howling Void is a one man doom metal band from Texas that formed in 2007. The musician behind the music is Ryan Wilson. He has been quite prolific; “The Glow of a Distant Fire” is the project's ninth full length album!

Over the years, The Howling Void has become one of my favorite doom bands.  Their style of funeral doom is much more expansive and dynamic than many others who do the style. The project's focus on using folk and Symphonic elements has always set it apart and “The Glow of a Distant Fire,” continues that trend.

I wouldn't call this album cavernous or other adjectives normally used for funeral doom. It's heavy of course but not In the same way as say, Esoteric. Gorgeous synths present themselves through keys, strings and layers of atmospheric pressure. These elements add a regal, grandiose quality to the slow, heavy riffs that I just don't find other doom bands doing quite as well. 

Of the three songs, none of them are under 15 minutes in length for a total runtime of just over 52 minutes.  Those not accustomed to doom might roll their eyes at such long songs but for the cool people (like me, duh), this isn’t anything outside the norm.  If anything, having “just” three songs has allowed Ryan to really explore a depth even beyond his already considerable past ventures. 

Regardless of any exploratory notions, each of the three songs flow together well and within the confines of their own lengthy boundaries.  My eyes never went to the time to see how long it has been or how much time I had left—every second is used to optimal performance and there isn’t a moment that could be left out or trimmed.  Looking at it that way, these songs are actually lean to a degree and only have what they need. 

Ryan mentioned on the band’s Facebook that he wrote this album during a dark time born out of health issues, both mental and physical.  I’m not going to explain that more as I feel it is much too personal for me, a stranger, to talk about so  whoever is reading this is more than welcome to check out the band’s Facebook for more information.  What I will mention is that he further explained that this album represents both the beginning and the end of that part of his life–a triumph over extreme adversity.

And that’s the key here: positivity and hope.  That may not be very doom or funeral to some but death metal bands don’t have to speak about death, black metal bands don’t always talk about mouth fucking Jeebus’ dead corpse, so doom metal bands, even funeral ones, don’t always have to dwell on being trapped in unfathomable darkness.  The Howling Void has always been a more positive band than a lot of other funeral doom so I welcome more of that as well. 

With that being said, don’t get the wrong impression: this is still doom fucking metal and it will check off all the boxes if this is the style you love.  I can’t imagine any fan of extreme doom, funeral or otherwise, thinking this isn’t anything less than a great album.

It’s always a bold statement to begin an album with the title track but that’s exactly what happens here.  Call it bravery, call it boldness, or even a glutton for punishment.  I call it being one of the band’s best opening songs.  I love that it hits immediately with both heavy riffs and keys—it grabs the light and the dark, harnessing them both.  That’s the hallmark of this project and it has never been used more expertly than here.  

Somber keys and melodic bass rise to the occasion, opening the metaphysical door for sweeping keys to cast a beautiful wide net that, in turns, pulls in with it the impressive death growls.    Shane Elwell provides drums on this album; he’s done a whole lot so check out his metallum page but he also previously played on The Howling Void’s debut album “Megaliths of the Abyss” full-length and the split with Excantation. I really like his drums; it takes immense talent to provide rhythm for slow music and still keep the playing engaging—it’s not an issue for Shane. 

The song builds up to the slow burning of embers and a primal roar as it moves ever forward, never forgetting to compliment the stark heaviness with melody and atmosphere. 

“Towards A Storm-Cloaked Summit,” also begins very immediately but this time the keys are darker, laced with a curiosity of mysterious tendencies.  This song is majestic in its own way, rising and falling through the ebb and flow of prime distortion and subtle synths.  The guitars, in places, have a melodic blackened feel to them—very cool and only adds to the song’s arcane approach. 

The lead guitar is very emotional, especially around the 6 minute mark.  I like how it takes over the direction of the song without purposely putting a focus on itself—it’s still another part for the overall doomed tapestry that is being weaved.  I love liminal spaces in doom so the passage after the 9 minute mark is something special to me. Doom is so amazing because few other styles can be as gentle in moments surrounded by harrowing notes.  

The last few minutes are classic funeral doom:  glacial, deep, and crushing without being overbearing. 

“Tat Tvan Asi,” is the longest song of the three, running just under 19 minutes in length.  The build up in these first few minutes is captivating—it feels like overcoming a major trail or adversity which, for Ryan, is exactly what is happening.  I was just recently promoted at my job–I’m confident in my abilities to do a good job but there is still a natural nervous energy to it all.  This song has really helped me cope with my new future.  This isn’t anywhere near what Ryan has gone through but it is still appreciated.  

From the 7:43 to the 14:20 mark is one of my favorite moments in the entire The Howling Void discography.  Everything from the guitars, the drums, synths, all the way to the melodies and heavy distortion just comes together—a monumental example of the power of doom metal. 

All in all, The Howling Void’s “The Glow of a Distant Fire,” is another insanely well written album in the project’s ever growing discography.  One of the most consistent bands in the scene just keeps solidifying their legend and I hope it continues for many more years.  

Rating:  Excellent