The Ruins Of Beverast - The Thule Grimoires (ALBUM REVIEW)

The Ruins Of Beverast - The Thule Grimoires

Release date: 5/2/2021

Label: Ván Records
Written by: J.C.L.

Alexander Von Meilenwald is the mind behind The Ruins of Beverast, a band from Germany, which have earned my respect over the years for pushing metal to new horizons. Over the last two decades, he has made some of my all-time favorite records, and a week ago he released its sixth album The Thule Grimoires. Now the question stands; after 18 years, does this band still hold up?

One thing to always expect with The Ruins of Beverast is the sheer size of the compositions, not just in length but the huge cavernous feel of the tracks themselves. The last album, Exuvia, was such a massive undertaking, and the following splits last year showed that Von Meilenwald is still a force to be reckoned with, with many of the songs feeling monolithic and imposing, as if only the shift of a tectonic plate could change the direction of the songs. The Thule Grimoires is no exception to this, but is Von Meilenwald in danger of becoming too formulaic?

Fortunately for him, I don’t think it’s the case. The Ruins of Beverast has seen a clear development through its lifetime. Gone are the days of epic occult medieval blasphemy, obscured (and held back) by lo-fi production. Instead, The Thule Grimoires leans more into doom metal territory and clean vocals, as well as gothic elements. Perhaps the best examples are the two singles Kromlec’h Knell and Anchoress in Furs, the first taking a note right out of a Type O Negative-playbook with clean, yet deep vocals, hanging guitar notes and low tempo beat. The latter is a massive track beginning with heavy Triptykon-inspiration with long melodies and a single female vocal calling, before turning into an epic and slow journey, with more of Von Meilenwald’s clean vocals, before finally rounding out in a melancholic and epic closure. Easily one of the highlights of the album.

The Ruins of Beverast / Alexander Von Meilenwald

Of course it’s not just about Von Meilenwald’s evolution as a musician. Any fan would easily still recognize The Thule Grimoires as a member of his discography, due in no small part to the massive downtuned guitar-sound and pounding march-like drums.
Another thing I discovered upon numerous listenings of this album was a few callbacks to Von Meilenwald's earlier albums. Namely a section with almost tribal drumming and chants on Anchoress in Furs, which evokes images of long lost tribes and their rituals, a theme on the previous album Exuvia. Another was on the opening song Ropes Into Eden, with a re-interpretation from an instrumental melody called “God Sent No Sign” off his first album. Just something I’d like to point out, as this was a very rewarding find.

Finally, I want to draw attention to the framework and progression within the album itself, and how masterfully it builds up. The album eases the listener in with Ropes Into Eden, which sets the frame with some subtle ambient and a lone guitar laden with tremolo-effects, foreboding the imminent cascade that is about to follow. After the first three tracks, Mammothopolis serves as a mid-album ambient break, almost like you are being given a moment to reflect on your journey so far, before Anchoress in Furs pulls you back into its crescending maelstrom, followed by the odd time-signature of Polar Hiss Hysteria, and finally the massive album closer Deserts to Bind and Defeat, which once again has a very clear and heavy gothic dynamic to it, easing you into a soft and somber landing.

So, when all is said and done, is this album worth you time? For myself, it absolutely is, although I will admit that The Thule Grimoires sometimes have troubles keeping my attention, especially as the album exceeds the hour-mark, which also can be a personal defect of my own. However, I have no doubt that my opinion of this album will improve over time and after consequent returns to it. There is undeniable talent and passion here, so do yourself a favor, and allow yourself to be immersed into this album, without outside disturbance, as that's where this album is allowed to unfold.

I give this album

Out of 6

Favorite tracks: Ropes into Eden, Kromlec'h Knell, Anchoress in Furs

Tracklist: 

1. Ropes into Eden 

2. The Tundra Shines 

3. Kromlec'h Knell

4. Mammothpolis 

5. Anchoress in Furs 

6. Polar Hiss Hysteria 

7. Deserts to Bind and Defeat

The Ruins of Beverast links:

Bandcamp:
https://theruinsofbeverast.bandcamp.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/The-Ruins-Of-Beverast-116265971848680/