If Louie C.K. is a “comedians’ comedian,” then Wolves In The Throne are a metal musicians’ metal band. Half way through the hellish ritual that is their new video for “Born From The Serpent’s Eye,” one starts to think that these guys make Metallica look soft. To an outsider, there is something imperceptible about the genius behind the band’s intention. However, anyone who appreciates music can hear that very genius coursing through the distortion of their power chords and the deep, gnarled timbre of their growls.

The video itself is a new take on something that’s been around. At night, in a desert, illuminated by a bonfire, the light medieval strumming of a lyre makes its debut. As if the calm before a storm, the sweet feudal tones of the lyre are swept away by a gale of heavy metal guitar. Tattooed men swing their long hair back and forth as they violently pick at the highest notes of their guitars, while a cloudy robed figure lifts a flaming stick into the air. The throaty sound of the vocals, somewhere between a growl and a scream, join in to complete a Cerberus of drums, guitar and lyrics. The lyrics themselves are anybody’s guess, words lurking behind a hedge of black leaves. Though the words, to some, may be hard to hear, the message seems pretty clear. Viewers are watching something very dark and elemental.

A word from the band:

“This is our first video. We lit a bonfire and blasted through the first part of ‘Born from the Serpent’s Eye’. You’ll have to listen to the full track to hear Anna Von Hausswollf’s glory. This is the first time we’d played the song with Kody and it f*cking slayed. Peter and Nico captured the magic. May the good fires blaze!”

The album on which “Born From The Serpent’s Eye” will appear is named Thrice Woven, and it will be available on August 23rd by the band’s own label, Artemesia.

Thrice Woven, track listing:
1. Born from the Serpent’s Eye
2. The Old Ones Are With Us
3. Angrboda
4. Mother Owl, Father Ocean
5. Fires Roar in the Palace of the Moon