*This is part of our State Of The Art series, showcasing bands every Monday from the featured state. This month’s state is Kansas.*
Black metal and a history lesson? Get your pencil and paper out, Marsh of Swans are about to school you in downtrodden riffage and local history. The black metal duo call Lawrence, Kansas home. They go by CJ and BC, sharing the writing and production duties. BC is the voice that is heard on the tracks and CJ does the drum work, however.
This is far from the stereotypical “Hail Satan!” black metal that to a not-so-versed ear, all sounds the same. An argument as old as the beginning of time. Marsh of Swans have a fresher, more vibrant sound. Atmospheric and reflective. It’s heavy as hell, no mistaking. The band juggles dynamics tremendously, making the song structure both interesting and engaging.
Marsh of Swans‘ 2017 EP “From Ashes Beneath” lyrically tells the story of the Marais des Cygnes massacre in Bleeding Kansas in 1858 before the Civil War left five men dead and five injured, with one escapee. The title track, “From Ashes Beneath” is the highlight of the EP, where they quote pieces of the poem “Le Marais du Cygne” by John Greenleaf Whittier.
This is some seriously heavy music for history buffs. Fans of Alcest and Wolves of the Throne Room will thoroughly enjoy what Marsh of Swans has to offer.
The duo is currently in the process of writing and recording another EP, which can be followed on their Facebook page.
