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Wolves in the Throne Room: Studio Albums Ranked
In light of the band dropping their first new studio record in five years (and it's a good one), I decided to revisit their discography in reverse chronological order, then rank them for you lovely snobs. This exercise made me appreciate this band more than I have in the past, which is odd to say because I've really enjoyed most of what they've released at the time they released it. I guess it feels like I didn't invest enough time in some of these records, because they're even better than I gave them credit for back then/when and such. Anyways, WITTR rule, you should check them out live if they come through your town, and I'm interested in anyone/everyone's thoughts on their catalog. m/
1
A 2
A 3
A 4
A- 5
B+ 6
A- 7
B 8
B
A Primordial Arcana
Wolves in the Throne Room · 2021
I love the direction they took on this album, streamlining their songwriting approach and incorporating a 90s gothic atmosphere with the piano/keys and also happen to craft some of their most memorable moments across their catalog in songs like Spirit of Lightning and Underworld Aurora. WITTR distilled to their purest form, with an impeccable atmospheric flourish courtesy of influences like My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost.
A Two Hunters
Wolves in the Throne Room · 2007
obviously instrumental/influential in the "Cascadian black metal" scene, but the record rips on it's own merit beyond just influence. This was the band taking the next creative step on their NeurAgalloch meets Emperor sonic journey, and it stil holds up nearly 20 years later.
A Thrice Woven
Wolves in the Throne Room · 2017
Speaking of Neurosis, this is definitely the WITTR album most influenced by the atmospheric hardcore/post-metal titans (Steve Von Till even makes an appearance on The Old Ones Are With Us), but the influence is both sincere and natural in the way it's accentuated within their black metal approach, and the songs are full of memorable, massive moments that recall the best of the post-metal genre in a black metal lens.
A- Estuary
Wolves in the Throne Room · 2026
I really like the doomy approach they've taken on the last two records, with Estuary placing a particular emphasis on creating atmosphere through guitar textures without relying as much on the gothic-tinged keyboards that were ever-present on Primordial Arcana. Really cool set of songs here that I should probably take my own advice and spend some more time with while they're fresh.
B+ Black Cascade
Wolves in the Throne Room · 2009
This is probably the record that I kick myself the most for putting in regular rotation more often in the 17 years since it came out. The post-metal/sludge approach that is so pronounced on Thrice Woven really started to make it's appearance here, and overall these are just some killer atmospheric black metal tunes - which might be an odd way to describe a WITTR record, but tell me I'm wrong.
A- Diadem of 12 Stars
Wolves in the Throne Room · 2006
This seems super low for such a classic record, but I find myself splitting hairs between all of the records to this point after the top 2 (and bottom 2...). The approach here still feels fresh, but less refined than it was on Two Hunters. That's honestly part of the appeal. There's a youthful enthusiasm that helps overcome the comparatively rudimentary songwriting and musicianship to their later material. Always worth putting on for an October hike.
B Celestial Lineage
Wolves in the Throne Room · 2011
This one didn't really do it for me when it came out, and after listening to it again, I agree with myself in 2011. it's a solid album, has some interesting moments, but drags too often and for the most part doesn't hold up to the rest of their bm discog.
B Celestite
Wolves in the Throne Room · 2014
I did get some good sleep to this one the other night. it's not bad, just not what I reach for when I'm in the mood for this kind of stuff. nor what I reach for when I'm in the mood for a WITTR record.
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