Released on: 21st August 2026
Twenty years on from their first demo, Fens‘ latest album Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth is a lot of words for what could be just as easily titled Fen and the Art of Black Metal. The album opens with a fade in carrying a djent-like polyrhythym that is soon descended upon with harmonics dressed like stars. Nature Magic, for really that is what this cantrip is, be like that. As an introduction it helps set the scene for what is one of Fen’s more artsy endeavors– mixing Prog with blackened mettle.
For an album filled with whimsical juxtapositions the compositions are steadfast and sturdy in their progression. Even if the choral O’s and A’s become a bit overused. The main guitar melodies are compelling throughout however and harmonise like the theme to an eighties cartoon. They are ultimately boppy and if it was not for the rasp of the vocals, cheese.
The cheese is great. Especially when the pull is so long you can tune it, plug it and even whip it.
Overall, this is an excellent record to begin a Tolkien-esq journey through Middle-England with. The only item that is missing on this here album is a flautist, really. Although anything but more O’s and A’s would do. Even if those choral drones work to augment the overall acoustic presentation of the album.
Anyway, did you know that if you say Ian Anderson five times into a mirror during the Witching Hour he’ll pop up behind you and give you a beer while bouncing on a space hopper?
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