Review: “All Is Far Away” by Æl-Fierlen

The subliminal suggestion that mutual love of Scandinavian music has lead Æl-Fierlen down the left hand path through the haunted forest in the depths of bleak midwinter was brought sharply into focus as the quartet from the South of England gave us a cover of “Like Humans” by Myrkur not so long ago. Their rendition of the tune followed a pair of well received singles and left us on the awaiting their debut EP with bated breath. Almost eighteen months after their first ever single “To Sleep Eternal” first appeared like her ghost in the fog, that day is finally upon us. The question is, will vocalist Stephanie Moffatt, guitarist Rob Melville, bassist OB O’Brien and drummer “Ginger” Will Taylor be able to build on that early promise?

The ethereal beauty of Stephanie Moffatt’s delicate clean vocals allows them to paint pictures on the minds eye during the dreamlike “To Sleep Eternal“, a piece which feels like the soundscape to the contemplative first waking moments after a night filled with terrors. Playful rhythms and meditative guitars are uplifting, as is the soaring delicate solo from Rob Melville, the fleeting moment of harsh unclean vocal that appears just before it something you might miss on the first couple of spins. Roots in Post-Black Metal, 1970’s Progressive Rock and Shoegaze are here for all to see, the melding of them only achieved with intricate musicianship. Gentle acoustic guitars give “Pulrose” a Folk Metal grace, Moffatt’s whispered moments hinting at dark mischievous nature just beneath the surface. The Medieval siren’s song becomes the wail of a banshee with murderous intent as this achingly beautiful piece plays out, the depth and texture of it food for the soul. A journey through the everglades under the watchful eye of a hungry alligator has never sounded so good.

“Eðe”, an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “laid waste, desolate” is the one chosen for the most brutal of the burnt offerings of this collection, savage throat splitting unclean vocals tearing the discerning listener limb from limb like a beast from black depths in the first couple of minutes. A return to the delicate clean vocals follows however the haunted forest is no longer a place of tranquil calm with swirling percussive battery from Taylor demonstrating the bands ability to weave in Black Metal should they so desire. Inspired by the haunting legend of the Axeman of New Orleans from 1918, it has a glorious ebb and flow as it plays out with melancholia and the warmth of dawns early light. An almost mournful lament about losing ones way and finding the path ahead unclear “Ællmiht” aches with ethereal beauty. Picked acoustic guitars have poise and purpose, harsh whispers scratch the surface, melodic lead guitars shine and powerful percussion decimates as everything bleeds together in perfect, windswept harmony. Its amazing how something with many subtle moments can be as powerful and majestic as this is, the dedication to craft and time spent in the rehearsal space showing itself in something that reflects the gentle savageness of nature. [8/10]

Track Listing

1. To Sleep Eternal
2. Pulrose
3. Eðe
4. Ællmiht

“All Is Far Away” by Æl-Fierlen is out 19th September 2025