Axis of Light Returns with “To the Great Unbearing North”

Five years after their debut, Axis of Light has unveiled their latest offering, To the Great Unbearing North. This album presents a mesmerizing black metal journey that showcases a subtle yet significant evolution in the band’s sound. The album cover complements the music beautifully, embodying a fusion of warm tones and icy textures that creates a vivid homage to Northern England. With this release, listeners are invited to envision the revered hills that have inspired generations of British poets, alongside one of the most remarkable black metal albums of the year.

Interview with Axis of Light

To delve deeper into the album and the band’s journey, I spoke with A.B. and T.L., the driving forces behind Axis of Light. Below is our conversation, edited for clarity.

–Alex Chan

The Beginning of a Musical Partnership

Q: Throughout the band’s history, T.L. has primarily handled instrumentation while A.B. focused on vocals. Can you share how you both met and began making music together?

A.B.: We formed the band in 2011 in Manchester. I had recently moved there and met T. during a rock/metal night at a club. At that time, I lacked musical experience and hadn’t planned on starting a project until shortly before our initial release under Somne, a DSBM-oriented band that was short-lived once we created Axis of Light.

T.L.: In the niche metal scene, you often run into the same faces at gigs. I remember our first encounter at that Manchester nightclub, sparked by my Wolves in the Throne Room shirt. Our shared love for black metal and Tomb Raider (the original PS1 version, of course) laid the foundation for our friendship. I was already writing music, and we decided to collaborate. A decade later, our roles have become more fluid, allowing us to contribute to various aspects of the music.

Transitioning Labels

Q: I’ve been following Axis of Light since your 2013 split with Death Fortress, which was co-released by Fallen Empire Records and Mordgrimm. What led to your eventual shift to Fallen Empire for subsequent releases?

T.L.: We initially worked with Mordgrimm, who had a partnership with Fallen Empire for distribution. As we connected with FE, we realized our overlapping interests, including a mutual love for Counterstrike. As Mordgrimm became less active, it felt natural to partner exclusively with Fallen Empire during a vibrant period for the black metal scene, as they were promoting exciting new releases.

Current Collaborations and Experiences

Q: Since Fallen Empire closed in 2018, you’ve collaborated with Mystiskaos and Pristine Light for physical releases. How did you connect with these labels, and what has the experience been like?

T.L.: While our interaction with Mystiskaos has been informal, we’ve collaborated on vinyl releases, including with A.P., who mastered our latest album. Our relationship with Pristine Blight developed through shared online communities, and we reached out to them for a tape release of our 2020 album. Overall, our experiences with labels and distributors have been positive, with minimal complications.

The Role of Analog Media

Q: What are your thoughts on the significance of analog media in today’s digital landscape?

T.L.: Analog media provides a sense of permanence that is often overlooked in an age dominated by streaming and on-demand content. For instance, a YouTube channel I followed, featuring rare vinyl rips, was suddenly taken down, erasing a wealth of unique recordings. Many of my teenage band recordings have also been lost due to a lack of backups. While I appreciate the accessibility of digital media, I believe both formats have their place in ensuring that art remains accessible to all.

A Thematic Shift in Lyrics

Q: In your early releases, your lyrics tackled themes like religion and animal cruelty. Starting with 2016’s Northern Ascendancy, your focus shifted to the history and geography of Northern England. What prompted this thematic change?

T.L.: As Northern lads, we wanted to explore themes and cultural elements from our homeland.

A.B.: Great observation regarding the Wordsworth lyrics! The ones featured on “Upon the Exalted Hills” were inspired by W.W. on the fell behind my hometown, which is also depicted on the album cover. This thematic shift was somewhat literal for me, as I had moved back to a smaller rural town, allowing me to focus less on real-world attachments and more on setting a mood with the lyrics. We also incorporate references to lesser-known local poets, like Norman Nicholson, who has influenced other regional black metal acts.

Sonic Evolution in “To the Great Unbearing North”

Q: Based on the title and cover art, it seems To the Great Unbearing North continues this thematic exploration. However, the album also marks a shift toward a more atmospheric sound. Was this change intentional?

A.B.: The album began as a separate project with a different sonic direction. It was mostly written and recorded a while ago, but I only completed my parts earlier this year. We had a specific sound in mind from the beginning, which remained intact despite the album being released under the Axis of Light name. Moving forward, we are both excited about merging the two styles.

T.L.: Initially, I drew inspiration from Anaal Nathrakh’s The Codex Necro for its abrasive sound, mixed with the melodic jangle of The Smiths. I once joked that Axis of Light was like The Smiths with distortion, though that might not do justice to Johnny Marr’s talent. After our self-titled album in 2020, we envisioned an atmospheric record. As it neared completion, we decided to release it under the Axis of Light name to reflect our evolving collaboration.

Conclusion

With To the Great Unbearing North, Axis of Light continues to carve out their unique identity in the black metal landscape. Their exploration of Northern England’s rich cultural heritage, combined with an atmospheric sound, marks an exciting chapter in their artistic journey. The album is now available for listeners eager to immerse themselves in this evocative sonic experience.

FAQs

What themes does the new album explore?

The album delves into the history and geography of Northern England, reflecting the band members’ personal connections to the region.

Is “To the Great Unbearing North” a departure from previous works?

Yes, the album features a more atmospheric and hypnotic sound compared to their earlier, more abrasive releases.

Where can I listen to the album?

The album is available now via Bandcamp.

What labels has Axis of Light worked with?

They have collaborated with Fallen Empire, Mystiskaos, and Pristine Light for their releases.