When the raw intensity of black metal meets the elegant melancholy of the violin, something truly special can emerge! But what happens when the artist behind it is a seasoned virtuoso in both worlds? Prepare to be intrigued by Weft, the solo project of Charlie Anderson, the live violinist for the renowned black metal act Panopticon. His inaugural album, The Splintered Oar, is a compelling release that absolutely demands attention, especially as we find ourselves reflecting on the past and anticipating the future.
Weft masterfully weaves the violin into the fabric of black metal, creating sounds that will feel wonderfully familiar to aficionados of folk and black metal fusion. The most immediate comparison, of course, is to Panopticon itself, particularly evident in the breathtaking synergy of acoustic guitar and violin on the opening track, "Leaves." It also channels the wild, untamed spirit of bands like Windfaerer and Saor, with its electric guitar work on "The Hull." Yet, Weft is careful not to let the violin overshadow everything else. Instead of relying solely on the typical rapid-fire tremolo picking, the aggressive guitar riffs and chord structures on The Splintered Oar often venture into the sophisticated realms of progressive death metal. And here's a curveball: you'll also discover hints of Americana, subtly present in "The Hull" and more prominently featured in "Dream of Oaks."
Once the album finds its stride, much of The Splintered Oar is incredibly electrifying. "False Kingdoms," the first full-fledged song, kicks off with a powerful build-up, expertly driven by Austin Lunn's deliberate tom-tom rhythms. From this point onward, the intensity fluctuates, but it rarely dissipates entirely. The dark, almost demonic violin melodies and the furious shrieks on "Red Dawn" pierce through your defenses with the sharpness of a winter wind. Anderson's deep vocal growls are generally effective, though at times they might lack a certain power, sounding a bit more like a rough croak. Thankfully, Andrea Morgan's guest vocals on "The Hull" provide a fantastic counterpoint, harmonizing with the soothing strings in a way that evokes the brilliance of Dzö-nga – a truly welcome addition.
But here's where it gets controversial... What truly holds The Splintered Oar back from reaching its full potential are its somewhat unsteady beginning and end. The intro track, "Leaves," could have been a far more impactful opener if it hadn't felt repetitive and stretched to a 5-minute runtime. On the flip side, the sprawling 12-minute closing track, "Dream of Oaks," struggles to maintain a cohesive narrative. The initial half is a hazy, dreamy Americana experience, which then transitions into sleek Opeth-esque progressive passages, followed by a foray into death/doom, before finally circling back to Weft's signature violin-driven black metal sound. While each of these individual elements is enjoyable in its own right, their combination becomes somewhat perplexing. "Dream of Oaks" could have been an epic conclusion, but it lacks the seamless integration of The Splintered Oar's diverse influences that the earlier tracks so brilliantly achieved.
Weft stands as a remarkable testament to what can be achieved when a violinist dives headfirst into black metal. Charlie Anderson's compositional adaptability is undeniable. While the album doesn't quite nail the landing – or the takeoff, for that matter – the central portion of The Splintered Oar is incredibly promising, even delivering goosebump-inducing moments. If Weft can consistently weave these unconventional musical threads together in a future release, we might be witnessing the birth of a true force of nature.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Bindrune Recordings
Websites: weftmusic.bandcamp.com | instagram.com/weft_music
Releases Worldwide: December 19th, 2025
What are your thoughts on the blend of violin and black metal? Do you agree that the experimental elements in "Dream of Oaks" detract from its impact, or do you find them to be a bold artistic choice? Let us know in the comments below!
