Release Date: 18th February 2022
Label: Human Noise Records
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal

Tracklist:
01. Ancient Wisdom
02. Xibalbá
03. World Apart
04. Thanatos
05. Dark Star
06. Fallen + Outro

Line-up:
Danijel Zambo – Vocals and all instruments
Guest musician – Gerileme – Drums

Review by Felin Frost

Rate: 8,5/10

Skognatt, a one-man band from Augsburg in Germany. Danijel Zambo, the man behind Skognatt, is an excellent multi-instrumentalist with an authentic sensitivity translated through his songs.
Skognatt made himself known in 2016 when the demo Landscape Of Ice was released, and it got me already with the first chords. Soon, in the same year, Stargazer came to life and brought an intense dark ambient atmosphere. In 2017 came the EP Ancient Wisdom. In March 2018, we came to know a single, “Eternal Frost” and the full-length Ancient Wisdom. 2020 was a fully prolific year. The “Hades” single was released on 8th February, the EP Autumn Skies in March, the EP Rain Eternal in June, and a split with Bergwacht in July.
Skognatt’s “objet d’art” had always been self-released. And in digital format, except for the split with the band Bergwacht which was a limited edition of only 100 vinyl copies by the Schattenpfade label.
For the joy of everyone who appreciates an atmospheric and distinguishing flourish black metal that lives up to old school, in just a few days, more precisely on 18th February 2022, the beautiful Ancient Wisdom album of 2018 will be re-released. This time on Digipak CD and digital format, by Human Noise Records.

Ancient Wisdom comprises 31:25 minutes divided into 6 transcendental tracks. We can immerse ourselves into an atmospheric and doomy black metal encased in a haze of exotic appeal, solidly built by Danijel. The lyrics explore the metaphysical paths of reality and the occult aspects of ancient times. The title track began melancholic and gave place to a ghoulish atmosphere, bringing forward acoustic guitars intertwined with grim vocals that Danijel provides. “Ancient Wisdom” leads us to a more raw yet melodic scenario.
The second track, “Xibalbá”, starts a little faster with a good dose of tremolo pickings and blast beats, providing a very raw and characteristic old-school feeling, back to the early 90s.
Gerileme sizable drumming ally with the guitars imprint an atmospheric black metal tuned with symphonic black metal and Middle-Eastern nuances.
“World Apart” leans to traditional black metal, tons of burning blast beats and riffs interlaced with an elegant melody.
Honouring the Greek entity Thanatos, the personification of death, this track aside all melancholy and smooth movements presents piercing and whispering growls. “Thanatos” wraps you in a veil of seduction, takes you down this path, then abuses you with penetrating and frightening darkness. Pushing you back once again enveloped in a caress. Exploring all facets offered, “Dark Star” is a combined track between
Ambient metal and Experimental, raw and visceral Black Metal. The closing track “Fallen + Outro” present a brilliant work of the keyboards and the vocals. Spoken words here and the guitars that never cease to seduce are the icings of the cake. Dazzling eccentric atmospheric black metal that slowly falls in the acoustic Outro. This re-release comes with a bonus track titled “Hades”, which is a delight as well.

As a whole, the album abuses slower tempos, adding a valuable atmosphere of mystery and menacing aesthetics through fierce, sometimes whispery vocals. Making Ancient Wisdom a legitimate atmospheric black metal album that follows its line and doesn’t lose its quality. Highly Recommended!

Give a “walk” through the full discography from Skognatt here: https://skognatt.bandcamp.com/
Delight yourself with the track Thanatos in the player below.

PRE-ORDER:
https://www.human-noise-records.com/
https://www.instagram.com/humannoiserecords/

FOLLOW SKOGNATT:
https://www.instagram.com/skognatt/