Patrons of the Rotting Gate - The Rose Coil (2013)
The Path Less Traveled Records
Review by Trevor Proctor
Patrons of the Rotting Gate is basically a
one musician band, namely Andrew “Manshrew” Millar who’s originally from the
city of Belfast but now resides in London – Adam “Arc” Irwin assists with
additional guitar work but pretty much everything is the creation of the
extremely talented Millar.
“Patrons of the Rotting Gate” is a name derived from
one of Millar’s favourite bands, Orgone. Both Millar and Irwin have also
previously played in “Kiriath”; a technical death metal band that’s been active
since 2008. Millar stated his direction of music with Patrons is basically
progressive black metal and its music he’s been meaning to write for a while.
Not only is it a fascinating album from start to end with a collection of great
songs, but it’s also an unbelievable musical experience when listened to in its
entirety - it’s the sort of album that only comes along every now and then.
When you take into account the entire album, including mixing and mastering, is
basically the product of one man’s vision and skill it’s a truly phenomenal
achievement.
The album itself is a highlight from the
start of Tri Tvare right to the album’s conclusion - your attention is grabbed and
it’s never released, each tracks blends perfectly into the next to ensure your
attention is never distracted, not even for a minute. The Rose Coil gets off to
quite a hectic start with Tri Tvare and Tri Zaveti where the pace rarely lets up
but it’s during tracks like the following “Canassial” that we fully see the
scope of Millar’s vision. Canassial chugs along at a menacingly slow pace,
punctuated by Millar’s hostile growls and drumbeats.
A Perfect Suicide is another stand-out
moment of brilliance – basic synths commence with exceptional progressive
guitar playing and spacey vocals only to be replaced after a few minutes with
blasting drum beats and anguished screams. This is another seven minute trip
into the madness of Millar and a brilliant example of the variations in music
he’s capable of – slow/fast, ambient/brutal he’s capable of it all and this
track and album show this to the listener beyond any shadow of doubt.
His Crimson Painting follows and is a
haunting piano track that further shows the ability and musical vision of this
deluded musical genius, a minute and half of excellent piano playing ensues –
it’s a definitive highlight and one that bleeds nicely into mesmerising track “…Of
all Eyes,” a synth laced hostile ambient trip that builds an evil and haunting
atmosphere. These two very different tracks make up just below three minutes
between them but they work perfectly together at creating a brilliant contrast
between hostile and beautiful worlds – and show there’s so much variety and
excellence to Millar’s approach to music.
There are also two bonus tracks
included – The Battle of Chamdo by Gorguts and Caress of Vines by Orgone – two
interesting inclusions but Millar’s interpretation of both is excellent. Also
worth mentioning is the inclusion of themes behind each track that appeared
on-screen whilst playing them via an MP3 player – not sure if this will be
prevalent on released versions but if so it’s a nice touch.
This is an excellent album and when we take
into account Millar only started writing it during the summer of 2013 we see
just how capable this man is – to write, perform, produce and master an album
like this over a few months pretty much on your own is an unreal achievement
and one that you must not miss. The rose coil is both diversified and
sophisticated, it’s an amazing accomplishment and essential listening – let’s
hope it’s not long before this mad musical genius unleashes more music to the
world, I’ll be waiting patiently
Tracklist:
1. Tri Tvare
2. Tri Zaveti
3. Carnassial
4. Secrets in the Soil
5. Pride in Descent
6. Chest of Light
7. Clandestine Fractures
8. A Perfect Suicide
9. His Crimson Painting
10. … Of all Eyes
11. The Battle of Chamdo (Gorguts cover)
12. Caress of Vines (Orgone cover)
The Rose Coil is released on December 31st by The Path Less Traveled Records on Digital and Limited Edition CD (100 Copies).
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