Nottingham’s Wolvencrown have emerged once more from the shadows with Celestial Lands, a second album that firmly cements their place in the current pantheon of UK black metal. Building on the promise of their 2019 debut, Of Bark and Ash, the quintet takes an assured step forward, crafting an album rich in texture, ambition, and emotional depth.

Recorded at Stuck on a Name Studios, Celestial Lands benefits from a production that, while occasionally betraying its DIY origins, complements the band’s ethereal vision. The album’s eight tracks are sprawling affairs, with the shortest proper song clocking in well past eight minutes, showcasing the band’s knack for weaving together solemn, keyboard-driven atmospheres with unbridled fury.

Opener Prelude sets the mood with an atmospheric touch that, while simple in construction, acts as a gateway to the labyrinthine world that follows. Its somewhat sparse production almost deceives the listener into underestimating the scope of what lies ahead. But as A Once Rational Time begins to unfold, Wolvencrown’s hand is revealed: intricate arrangements, dynamic vocals, and a deft balancing act between ferocity and melody make it clear we’re in for a ride that’s anything but ordinary.

A Spell Nature Cast is where the band truly hits their stride, delivering a masterclass in progressive black metal. Lead guitarist Nick Horton steals the show here, his solos evoking the spirit of names like Steve Hackett and Steve Rothery without losing the track’s blistering black metal edge. It’s not just a highlight of the album; it’s a highlight of the year.

This is followed by Angered Spirits Leave the Wilderness, which feels to me like the album’s centerpiece, and is a towering achievement of composition and execution. From its incendiary guitar interplay to its haunting diminuendo, where Horton’s lone guitar is paired with sparse keyboards, it’s a piece that demands—and rewards—close listening.

The brief Interlude serves its purpose admirably, offering a much-needed chance to defrag before The Path of Life charges ahead. While slightly less transcendent than its predecessor, it keeps the momentum going with Reece Atkin’s pulsing bass anchoring the track’s early passages and soaring leads providing lift.

 Until the End is another standout, with keyboardist Will Cupitt’s deft touch laying the groundwork for an explosion of guitars and Matt Dawson’s driving drums. The track’s sense of urgency and grandeur exemplifies this band’s ability to build tension and deliver cathartic releases.

Finally, the title track  Celestial Lands closes the album with aplomb, its carefully constructed ending a superb example of the band’s meticulous songwriting. By the time the final notes fade, it’s clear: Celestial Lands is not just an excellent album—it’s a challenge to the opposition to keep up.

In an era where atmospheric black metal often leans too heavily on formulaic tropes, Wolvencrown simply let their talent do the talking. This is an album that demands to be heard, and it’s a surefire contender for one of the year’s best British metal releases.

Celestial Lands is out now.