Okay, we’re about to go crazy-obscure for this Song of the Day. First off, is this even a song? I recently discovered Dolenaer while listening to Hymns of the Blackest Light Volume 2, a compilation of black metal and experimental noise put out by Fallen Oak Recording. You might recognize that name as being closely affiliated with atmospheric black metallers Vials of Wrath.
Dolonaer ride that incredibly fuzzy line between ambient, experimental noise, and black metal, with a sound that hints of all three, but leads them into something entirely new. Very little is known about the band, except that the sole member is identified as simply “J.L.”, who has contributed to the more metallic projects Bleak Harvest and Through the Storms. Hints point to J.L. being based in the United States, yet all of the Dolonaer material is put out through Dutch label The Shrouded Winter, which specializes in extremely limited run cassette tapes. Adding to that, Dolenaer song titles (though always lacking vocals and lyrics) are also in Dutch. So which is it?
Artists in these genres usually thrive on mystery and obscurity, so perhaps it’s fitting that we don’t know much about them. Tracks are available to download via The Shrouded Winter on Bandcamp, so if you like what you hear, be sure to shell out a few pennies for these releases.
https://theshroudedwinter.bandcamp.com/track/stormen-uit-het-westen-3
