Underground Sounds: Paleowolf – Genesis/Prehistoric Meditations

Band: Paleowolf
Origin: Serbia

Paleowolf really impressed me with their shamanistic debut album, full of beautiful, transcendental ambient music. The record was a surprise in an otherwise dense forest of mediocre interpretations of the far past. Apart from releases of the Russian Nomus Dei and Black Mara labels, not much can come clos to the work of Paleowolf in my opinion when it comes to ambient that embraces the primordial.

So, what I didn’t know is that Paleowolf is the side project of Scorpio V of Metatron Omega. With Paleowolf we travel through the world before it was civilised, when drums echo in ritual in valleys between rough mountain ridges. Where bonfires are the illumination during the night, to keep predators at bay and allowing the poeple to marvel at its destructive force. War, death and the hunt of primitive man is painted in the tones of this music.

Genesis (2016)

Label: Cryo Chamber

source: bandcamp

On ‘Genesis’, we hear a Paleowolf in a complete immersion in Paleolithic life. We see the fire emerge from between the trees and rise to a roaring height, illuminating the wide region like a beacon of sorts, for all wanderers. Is it fa friendly fire or is it danger? Is this then the first fire to be raised in an otherwise dark world? In that case, it would match the title. With the finding of fire, mankind enters a new era of domination.

The music is the sound of bird and the crackling of the fire, the eerie sound of wind instruments and throaty, shamanistic singing. Tribal drumming in praise of forgotten gods and to announce war or ceremony. A hurried, hunted sound forms on ‘Hunter II’. The listener witnesses the shapes running between the trees in chase of prey. This all happens in a forest filled with sounds. On ‘Eastern Tribes’ we hear more of a threatening sound. Not necessarily of war, but of seizing each other up. Of people encountering each other in the vast emptiness of the primordial world. The primitive instruments  resound in the play of power, where drums are banged and morose mouth harps resound.

Interesting fact, is that this release is different design-wise. The picture shows a shot of nature, fire between trees, with a discrete logo with runes. This differs from the self released records by Paleowolf, which are more designed and feel more abstract. ‘Genesis’ is a record that grows, that opens up and takes the listener to a different time.

Prehistoric Meditations (2017)

source: bandcamp

On the self-released ‘Prehistoric Meditations’, we enter a more meditative mood, less descriptive, more inwards and abstract. Slow droning sounds, pleasant nature sounds and dreamy passages. This is a different sort of record. Unlike  ‘Genesis’ the music is less focussed on the surroundings and more on the internal listener.

The listener therefor goes more on a spiritual journey while listening to this record. It’s made to meditate to, to relax to and explore. I’ve read about the Aborigines ‘Dream world’ and I think that this resembles most closely where Paleowolf is trying to take you to with this meditative record.

The album consists of three tracks, offering a three step rocket into the subconscious, a  gradual descent into the magical times. The droning tones, the gentle whisperings and tittering of birds touches upon something primal within you. It allows you to focus completely and try to detect the origins, it is a mind cleaner, a deep meditation and quest. Gently water is flowing, wind pipes chime and a gentle buzz fills the ear. As you come to a deep calm, deep voices chant again.

This is an album for headphones, for a solitary listener in a state of rest. It’s drony, ambient minimalism is a unique listening experience and I’ve not been able to find an artist who comes close to the sound of Paleowolf. Their attempt to reconnect with the primordial self, with the ancestor cult is something you need to be open to as a listener to truly find your way in the sound, particularly relevant on the meditative records.

3 thoughts on “Underground Sounds: Paleowolf – Genesis/Prehistoric Meditations”

  1. Hi Guido,

    I’ve just come across your review for Paleowolf (whose music I adore) and I was wondering if you accept submissions for posdible reviews from dark ambient labels/artists?
    I am running a small label called Cromlech Records and also make music under a few aliases, Valanx being the main one.
    I’d describe the music as dark ambient, experimental and call it (jokingly) Doombient. 🙂

    Looking forward to hear back from you and kind regards, Arne

    1. Hey Arne, sorry for my late reply. You can always contact me! I cover stuff I feel like covering, so I can’t promise anything.

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