Happy New Year, everyone! Sean here at the Black Metal Archives, and I have a new review for you, today, we’re diving into the windswept world of Windfaerer—a band that’s been carving their own path through the black metal genre with a style that’s both deeply atmospheric and uniquely powerful. Specifically, we’ll be focusing on their 2021 release, Breaths of Elder Dawns. If you’re unfamiliar with them, don’t worry. By the end of this review, you’ll want to add their music to your playlist—trust me.

So, who are Windfaerer? They’re a New Jersey-based band that blends black metal with folk and atmospheric elements. The name “Windfaerer” itself feels poetic and evocative, like a call to wander through windswept, mythic landscapes. That imagery is an excellent starting point for describing their music—it’s expansive, it’s melodic, and it’s deeply rooted in storytelling. You can hear echoes of nature, history, and raw human emotion in every track.

Now, let’s dive into Breaths of Elder Dawns. This album is an immersive experience from start to finish. It’s an exploration of ancestral themes, mythology, and existential introspection, all wrapped up in lush arrangements that pull no punches. The production on this record is stellar. It’s polished without losing the raw edge that’s essential to black metal. Every instrument—and there are quite a few in Windfaerer’s arsenal—has its space to breathe, yet everything comes together seamlessly.

Speaking of instruments, let’s talk about the violin. Yes, the violin. It’s a defining feature of Windfaerer’s sound, played masterfully by Mikko Viitala. The violin isn’t just an accent; it’s a central voice in their compositions, weaving through the guitars and drums like a thread of ancient lore. In Breaths of Elder Dawns, it alternates between mournful, soaring melodies and frenetic, almost chaotic bursts of energy. It’s what sets Windfaerer apart from a lot of their peers in the black metal scene.

Now, let’s break down some standout tracks. The album opens with Dawn of Phantom Light, a song that immediately sets the tone. It’s dynamic, with shifts between blistering black metal riffs and sweeping melodic passages. The violin really shines here, painting vivid sonic landscapes.

Then there’s Astral Tears, one of my personal favorites. This track leans heavily into the atmospheric side of their sound. The interplay between the guitars and violin is almost symphonic, and it’s one of those songs that’s easy to get lost in. The drumming deserves a shoutout too. They’re thunderous when needed but also subtle and textured in quieter moments.

Another highlight is Into the Mist. This one feels like a journey—you can almost see the fog rolling through ancient forests as you listen. The pacing is fantastic, with moments of serene beauty giving way to bursts of raw intensity. It’s one of those tracks that showcases the band’s ability to balance heaviness and melody.

Overall, Breaths of Elder Dawns is an album that embodies the spirit of black metal while pushing its boundaries. It’s raw yet refined, brutal yet beautiful. Windfaerer isn’t afraid to experiment, and it’s that willingness to take risks that makes them such an exciting band to follow.

Before I wrap up, let’s talk about how Windfaerer fits into the black metal genre. Black metal is often associated with cold, unrelenting aggression, but Windfaerer’s take is warmer, more organic. They’re not trying to emulate the icy, Nordic vibes of traditional black metal. Instead, they’re drawing on different inspirations—natural beauty, folklore, and a sense of timelessness. They’ve carved out a niche that’s distinctly their own.

So, if you’re into bands like Saor, Panopticon, or Wolves in the Throne Room, you’ll definitely want to give Windfaerer a listen. And even if you’re new to black metal, Breaths of Elder Dawns is a fantastic gateway album. It’s accessible without sacrificing the complexity and depth that make the genre so compelling.

If you’ve listened to Breaths of Elder Dawns or any other Windfaerer albums, let me know your thoughts in the comments. And if this is your first time hearing about them, I’d love to hear what you think after giving them a listen.

Thanks for reading, and here’s to another year of incredible music. Until next time, keep the winds at your back and the metal loud.

Head on over to the Windfaerer Bandcamp page and check them out for yourself.