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Sickle of Dust - Across the Vultures Trail
First and foremost, Sickle of Dust remains firmly in my top three solo projects of all time, alongside Dis Pater of Midnight Odyssey and Ovfrost of Malist. One of the defining aspects that has always drawn me to Sickle of Dust is its ability to paint vivid visions in my mind while listening. The new album, Across the Vultures' Trail, once again showcases Ash’s superb ability to craft timeless classics within the genre
Track 1: Brothers of the Storm
The opening track immediately sets the tone in classic Sickle of Dust fashion, delivering Ash’s signature atmospheric style. Orchestral elements, including trumpets and marching drum-style bass hits, enhance the grandeur and depth, setting the stage perfectly for the rest of the album. Once the intro concludes, a triumphant wave of sound carries you into distant lands. The sheer depth and layering in Ash’s compositions never cease to amaze me.
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Track 2: On the Battlefield
This track came as a wonderful surprise. It features a guest mandolin performance by Ilya Lipkin, who also plays acoustic guitar on track five. The mandolin intro had a calming effect, and its inclusion was an inspired choice, beautifully executed throughout. A standout moment occurs around 3:05 when the music halts, allowing the mandolin to re-emerge, accompanied by an ethereal atmospheric sound. I’m not entirely sure what this effect is—perhaps something simple—but whatever it is, it works wonders, building towards an incredible guitar riff and vocal passage. The cymbal work near the song’s climax is also exceptional, adding to the depth and complexity of the track. Another highlight was the section featuring flute (or recorder) alongside spoken vocals—an absolutely mesmerizing moment.
Track 3: Across the Vultures Trail
I won’t mince words—Ash, you truly outdid yourself with this title track. Every element, from drums to vocals to orchestral accents, is flawlessly executed. For me, this is the best Sickle of Dust song I’ve ever heard. From start to finish, it completely immersed me, evoking a deep sense of longing—an emotional journey through life’s trials in pursuit of purpose. The trumpet melodies around the halfway mark are simply breathtaking, earning a perfect 10/10 in my book.
Track 4: Wizards Don't Dance
This track carries a bittersweet quality, evoking both sorrow and hope. The song is richly layered, showcasing Ash’s ability to weave complex arrangements. I would love to see the lyrics, as I feel they would enhance my understanding of the track’s message. The outro is particularly striking, shifting into a darker melody that incorporates a variety of instruments, rounding off the track beautifully.
Track 5: The Black Stones Inn
The album’s final track begins with a slow, melancholic acoustic guitar passage. The tone is perfect, complementing the ambient backing. The song initially feels dark and morbid but soon takes the listener on an uplifting journey. Once the acoustic section fades, a haunting vocal performance emerges, accompanied by a steady 4/4 drum beat, serving as the foundation for the melodies that follow. The subtle acoustic guitar chords underneath the main arrangement add further depth. This is the perfect outro track, carefully chosen to conclude the album on a strong note. I hope to hear more compositions like this in the future.
All in all, Across the Vultures' Trail is undoubtedly Sickle of Dust’s best album to date. I’m beyond pleased with how this release turned out. Ash continues to refine and expand his craft, and if he maintains this trajectory while incorporating the elements that made this album so special, Sickle of Dust is bound to receive the recognition it truly deserves.
As a loyal supporter, I deeply appreciate the effort and artistry poured into every release. This album earns a well-deserved 9.5/10 for its masterful instrumentation, flawless composition, and standout moments—especially the evolved drum work, excellent cymbal techniques, and the introduction of mandolin and acoustic guitar, which added new layers of depth and mysticism.
Ash, congratulations on this incredible achievement. I eagerly await what comes next!
Grading system.
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar
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