Fall's Resplendence by Robes of Snow

Appalachian-inspired folk metal is having its moment, and the new record Fall's Resplendence by Robes of Snow is one example of how atmospheric black metal and traditional Appalachian music are a perfect match made in the holler. Solo artist Damian Winter uses the banjo, the mandolin, and the accordion to introduce a more neofolk-adjacent sound, this artistic direction highlighting the central motif of this record: Autumn and the necessity of death. Death and dying is a common theme in black metal, but Winter’s approach is less mournful and more appreciative. Although the sound is on the darker side, by interpreting this theme through a seasonal lens death is presented as a natural part of the years’ cycle. Each leaf that falls will decay, turning into nutritious fertilizer for the coming spring. Accepting these changes as a promise rather than fighting against them makes sense as a natural response from a region with such a strikingly beautiful fall season. With its authentically Appalachian approach, Fall's Resplendence stands out as a must-listen for any metal listener looking for something different to herald the changing of the seasons. - Kalen