Ancient Tome — The Implications of Ascendancy Review

Ancient Tome, a Blackened Doom Metal band from the United States, established in 2020. On January 20, 2025, the band unveiled their third EP, titled “The Implications of Ascendancy” which was released by Chaos Records.
The First Three Sins, The Summary
The Fourth Sin, Overall Discussion
As soon as the listener hits the play button, they are welcomed by the gentle, slow instrumental introduction of The Implications of Ascendancy. As the track approaches its final minute, it shifts dramatically into a distorted, sombre, and weighty conclusion, seamlessly flowing into the next piece, Break the Blue. This transition sets the stage for the final two tracks, The Way of the World is to Bloom and Lamentation, each contributing to the evolving musical journey.
Ancient Tome is far from a leisurely stroll; it intertwines the ethereal black metal atmospheres with the slow, and crushing tones of doom metal, while there exists a slight brutality of death metal, within the music. This fruit of art and powerful combination elevate the heaviness and despair to unprecedented heights, challenging the boundaries of heavy music while offering an intensely narrative experience that captivates the listener. Moreover, this profoundly immersive album invites the listener to traverse the bleakest corners of existential anguish, grappling with themes of loss and the quest for renewal.
Ancient Tome‘s album, The Implications of Ascendancy unfolds like a relentless tide, slowly enveloping your spirit in the oppressive weight of its sound, refusing to release its grip. Yet, amidst this darkness, glimmers of hope emerge; fleeting moments of delicate instrumentation and ethereal vocals offer listeners a brief respite, akin to gasping for air while submerged in deep waters. However, this reprieve is short-lived, as the music’s brooding intensity returns, delivering a punishing blend of dissonant, tremolo-picked riffs and haunting atmospheric passages. The bass anchors the composition, while the drumming injects a frenzied sense of urgency and chaos. The vocals weave a dense fog over the soundscape, characterized by their raw, blackened quality. Interspersed within the slow, heavy riffs are bursts of intricate, faster-paced sections, crafting a dynamic auditory journey that showcases the devilmanship and artistry of this dark musical creation.
Ancient Tome‘s album, The Implications of Ascendancy, presents a distinctive auditory experience, blending a raw yet meticulously crafted fusion of devastating doom and otherworldly black metal soundscapes. This sonic journey strikes a delicate balance between overwhelming heaviness and haunting introspection, all encapsulated in a production that achieves flawless clarity. Each shard of distortion, every rhythmic pulse, and the immense weight of the music and vocals resonate deeply, conjuring an unsettling yet exhilarating sensation in the listener’s core—a delightful queasiness that lingers long after the final note fades.
This bold entry into the realms of death-doom-black metal is set to leave a lasting impression with its sonic power and conceptual depth. For fans who seek an exploration of human conflict and transcendence, The Implications of Ascendancy is a captivating and emotionally resonant work. This bold entry into the realms of death-doom-black metal is set to leave a lasting impression with its sonic power and conceptual depth.
The album comes to an end with the last song, Lamentation, as the music takes its musical breath. We want to give a shoutout to Chaos Records for letting us review Ancient Tome and their album The Implications of Ascendancy. Now, we’re going to wrap it up by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia

The Sixth Sin, The Artwork
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish
Ancient Tome
Kevin Esnayra — Bass
Zeshaan Younus — Guitars
Naraka — Vocals, Drums, Guitars
Aidan Neuner — Drums