We approach ‘Crown of Fire’ with a hint of sadness. Not because of the EP’s subject matter – more steeped in folklore, haunting introspection and mysterious imagery – but for its grim reaper-esque role in the project’s history. With ‘Crown of Fire’, Toronto-based group Broken Wolves are saying goodbye, putting their artistic efforts to a halt. It’s a long-awaited grand departure, one that will certainly leave fans with a bittersweet feeling, especially seen the hypnotising and rich musical character contained in the EP.
You see, ‘Crown of Fire’ borrows elements from a variety of sources. Be it 60s folk-rock, 70s-esque lyrical doom and gloom, or modern psychedelia, there’s a great deal of artistic knowledge in it, a smorgasbord of influences that give birth to a gloomy, dark aural concoction, one that’s cathartic and striking, hard to resist. ‘Cauldron’ is the perfect evidence of that, certainly the most decadent and melancholic episode in the EP.
Title track ‘Crown of Fire’ is rather sunnier, yet also understated and icy, particularly finding its feet into folk-rock euphoria and raw, earthy guitar tones. Opener ‘I Don’t Sleep’ moves at a slow pace, mesmerising listeners thanks to its sultry, legendary vocals. Lastly, ‘Fool’ is the best of both worlds; liminal, cloudy songwriting with more of a rock’n’roll flair in it. Perhaps, with a light resemblance to prog-rock boldness. A specific shout-out must be given to the guitar solos, which Broken Wolves seem to particularly excel at: they are wholesome and vintage-sounding.
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