Live Report: Falls of Rauros w/ Waranimal, Mortum, and Salö

January 16, 2012

Falls of Rauros’ The Light That Dwells in Rotten Wood somehow didn’t make it onto IO’s year-end lists, a damn shame given that the album is a shining example of catchy and grandiose blackened folk metal NOT from the Pacific Northwest. No, Falls of Rauros isn’t Cascadian, though I imagine the band’s native Maine offers many of the same
natural inspirations that bands from the Northwest corner of the United States draw upon. Falls of Rauros isn’t an Agalloch clone, either, though fans of Agalloch certainly won’t leave their comfort zone when listening to Falls of Rauros. Instead of talking about what Falls of Rauros isn’t, it’s best to think of what they are: a really frickin’ good and polished black folk metal band. Has everyone heard “Banished”?

Falls of Rauros played The Acheron in Brooklyn with Waranimal, Mortum, and Salö Sunday night (January 8, 2012) , a lineup that, with the exception of the hilariously tongue-in-cheek Waranimal, was firmly grounded in black metal. Brooklyn’s Salö kicked things off with a muscular performance that relied heavily on super quick guitars and tough guy vocals, a mix that worked quite well in The Acheron with its basement-like feel.

New Jersey’s Mortum, an old school black metal three-piece complete with corpse paint and ammo belts, followed. Mortum has released two tapes of raw and infectious blackened grooves on Fallen Empire, which the band successfully translated to a hateful live performance. The frontman dominated, maniacally screeching and furiously riffing, while the drummer and bassist remained at the darkened back of the stage, expressionless and distant.

Waranimal, who made the trip from Maine with Falls of Rauros, deserves special mention for their party-inspired blend of punk and rock metal complete with gang vocals. The singer summed things up better than I could hope to when, announcing a song, he growled, “This next one is about skateboarding and not having enough time! It’s called, “Let me check my Shredscule!” ‘Nuff said, I think.

Falls of Rauros took the stage after 11 pm and did not disappoint, leading off with the instrumental track from their latest album before diving into “Banished”. The set was clean and expressive, and though songs regularly topped the 10-minute mark, engaging. If Falls of Rauros comes to a town near you, check them out. Their show was something to behold.

— Wyatt Marshall

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