Wolves in the Throne Room: Malevolent Grain EP

In the battle of man vs. nature, the rage expressed by black metal droners Wolves in the Throne Room might be better labeled green metal. The Olympia, Wash., group skews the typical scorched earth imagery to commune with Mother Nature’s malevolence in a slow aural grind. “A Looming Resonance” unfolds with elegant sadness as vocalist Jamie Meyers chants a spectral accompaniment to the guitars. It’s a strong contrast to the demonic yowl of “Hate Crystal.” The latter is a heavily textured dirge of minimalism that ebbs and ebbs and ebbs. The hidden rumble of noise and chattering percussion can go unnoticed under the roar of so much tumult. Listen through headphones and gain a whole new respect for nature and all of the wrath she can and will inflict when she decides to bite back. 5 stars.