Wiht – The Harrowing of the North

Though they've now officially split up, singerless Leeds trio Wiht have finally unleashed this physical version of their first (and sadly last) offering, filled with psychedelic ambiance and big, crunchy riffs. The twenty minute long opener is an ambitious way to kick things off; dancing back and forth between post-rock-tinged moodiness and Zeppelin-esque hard rock grooves throughout its multiple movements. Though these two styles are constantly revisited in instrumental music to the point of near-stagnancy, it's rare to see them intertwined, and refreshing to behold.

Orderic Vitalis – the album's shorter and more straight-up aggressive track – meanders less, but its regression into generic stoner/doom metal tropes is something of a disservice to the band's capabilities, especially when comparing it to the cathartic nature of the first act. End of the Reign, the bonus track on this reissue, thankfully ups the intensity again, bringing the band's short career to a well-balanced and emotionally gratifying climax with layers upon layers of guitar fuzz.