Exclamavit - In the Shadow of A Citadel (2012)

To me its pleasing when bands decide to record under a banner that isn't immediately recognizable or just plain common. It (sometimes) provokes the listener (or reviewer) to research the name a bit to see where it came from and what exactly it might mean. In this case, my studies have revealed to me that Exclamavit is a Latin word simply meaning to exclaim or to shout/cry out. I like that. Almost as much as I enjoy the sound of Latin, though at least in its current form, Exclamavit remains an entirely instrumental project.

Exclamavit is (I'd hate to use the word "another") a project from Élan O'Neal whose name you may recognize from his other solo adventures, such as, Old Forgotten Lands or Wanderlust as well as his contributions to bands like FIN and Maugrim (well, he's got even more than those bands). Exclamavit is a a trip back to the old days, a time of honor and pride and by his own words, "Exclamavit is a contemporary soundtrack to an ancient age."

On his debut EP, 'In the Shadow of A Citadel' released through Swampkult Productions, Élan takes the listener on a short but engaging journey through what I would call vintage medieval ambient. As 'Fealty And Reverance' emits from my speakers I'm quite quickly reminded of projects like Wongraven, Lord Wind, Mortiis, Grabesmond and Pazuzu. I use the word "vintage," because to me the music has a distinctive 90's sort of quality to it that reminds me of said bands and it could be a case of just simply not having the most modern equipment or it may well have been done deliberately as something of a tribute to those old music makers.

'A Blade To Herald An Age' slowly builds, creating a timeless atmosphere not unlike the old Wongraven song, 'Det var en gang et menneske,' though sounds of swords being unsheathed are present as well as a simple piano melody mid-way through. It feels like the dawn of a beginning, it grows gradually and serves as a lengthy builder to emprise. 'The Fear Of Beasts' has a foreboding sort of twist to it, in my mind I can picture fearless adventurers entering unknown territories completely unaware of what dangers might await them, while 'A Pilgrimage Through The Fog' is almost like a breath of fresh air, somewhat more bouncy with the presence of the jaw harp, the main melody feels like our adventurers have vanquished the beasts and are set to rejoice at night - amongst each other, good food and wine, naturally. 'Esoteric Banners Upon The Stone' has the main story shifting to enemy lines where some malevolent dictator plots against our heroes, whereas 'A Monastic Vision' sounds like our group coming across an ancient place of wonder, as it carries a very dreamy sort of vibe, supplemented with chants it really is effective in its delivery.

At just a little over twenty minutes, 'In the Shadow of A Citadel' is quickly concluded. Nevertheless, within its short duration I was able to easily visualize and put my own story to it, which pretty much means that Élan needs to continue with this project since I think he's onto something special here... and because I always need more motivation for my own epic fantasy tales I continue ever onwards with.