Label: Independent
Origin: The Land of The Three Fires
With the same weaponized hatred as black metal’s progenitors facing the religious invasion of Scandinavia, Pan-Amerikan Native Front wields blood-soaked tomahawks against colonialist evil. On second full-length album Little Turtle’s War, one-man warrior Kurator of War recounts the triumphant victories of indigenous legend Michikiniqua in a meaningful extreme metal epic.
To set the stage for the “Assembly of the Western Confederacy,” a stream gently bubbles over acoustic river stones on a peaceful meander through a snowy forest, before falling as a cascade of roaring power chords. Surging atmospheric shrieks echo defiant declarations from the commanders of the great native nations in the confederacy, and jagged slabs of percussion form the bedrock over which the torrential force flows. Second track “The Power of the Calumet Dance” shares the pipe of hatred for the imperialistic invaders. A smoldering solo rides wisps of smoke escaping the ceremonial fire, and sharpened hatchets glisten with newfound reflection, ready to taste the blood of the enemy. Steeply down-tuned guitars test the blade’s edge preparing for the “Battle of the Wabash.”
With the native army invigorated by the calumet and united in spirited anger, third track “Battle of the Wabash” is a pivotal point in Little Turtle’s War. As the sun rose on the morning of November 4, 1791, a militia of 1000 natives led by Michikiniqua (Little Turtle), Weyapiersenwah (Blue Jacket), and Buckongahelas overwhelmed the advancing American army, decisively handing the newfound country its largest defeat at the hands of Native Americans, ever. The onslaught commences with a lone indignant riff, reverberating through the frosted grounds walked upon by the indigenous brothers-in-arms, until an isolated musket blast launches the opening death volley. Taking the enemy by force with formidable melodic riffs and piercing icy vocals, Pan-Amerikan Native Front crushes the colonial scepter with one swing of the warclub. Sinister metallic hammering midway through the track symbolizes the methodical execution of the unwelcome pillagers, eventually driving General St. Clair and what remained of his men back to Washington D.C. with their mangled tails tucked between their cowardly legs.
“The Whispering Oak” and “A Witness” depict instrumental works of philosophical doom, the former sketching the lifeless forest in the aftermath of the great victory, and the latter bearing arms against the perpetual enemy. “Michikiniqua’s Triumph” thrashes at mid-tempo with abrasive lead licks and resounding war drums, arousing memories of late-era Satyricon or Dissection, but sacred singing accompanied by ceremonial percussion at the close of the track anchors it on this side of the pond. “The Great White Beaver Lurks” gnaws away at Kurator of War’s vocals with dense, gritty riffs, and fells the forest with guitar-forward bashing.
nakaaniaki meehkweelimakinciki (32:35 - 42:15) Pan-Amerikan Native Front - Little Turtle's War Album Premiere (NEW Full-Length 2021) - YouTube
Standout track “nakaaniaki meehkweelimakinciki” roughly translates to “we remember the old ones.” Serrated black metal leads shoot fire into the sky to honor those who have passed on, while grounded blast-beating drives a stake of freedom back into the ownerless lands for which they fought. A lengthy pause in the track gives way to ethereal acoustics, displaying a new sense of beauty and peace not found elsewhere in the record, metaphorically symbolizing Michikiniqua’s leadership role in the quest for unity and equality for future generations of his people, after generations of strife, hardship, and war. Demonic leads then return, igniting the incendiary atmosphere in a final battle cry for justice, and the remainder of the track gallops forward in defiance and resilience.
Little Turtle’s War is a fiery yet somber tribute to the brave warriors who fought alongside Michikiniqua against the nefarious invaders, and triumphed. Pan-Amerikan Native Front loads venom-laced gunpowder into extreme metal muskets, unleashes barrages of fire upon the scourges of the world, and leaves the liberated earth to quench itself on the blood of the vanquished.
FFO: Wolves in the Throne Room, Ifernach, Sargeist, Satyricon