Ascendant formed in Denmark during 2006 under their original name of Amorém. Over the years they made single recordings and played several concerts in Denmark and Germany. Alongside crafting their debut full-length album, ‘The Alteration’ (January 2012) they also decided to launch it under their new name. They stated “Ascendant for us means to look back on our ancestors, especially our ancestors from the Old Testament. But ascendant is also a synonym for Jesus who ascended from death.” Their style was likened to blackened death metal with progressive metalcore. It could be compared to A Hill To Die Upon, At The Gates, Becoming The Archetype, Gojira, Meshugga and Pantokrator.
The line-up was to become Josua Poulsen (lead vocal), Levi Rauff (drums), Jens Grønhøj (bass & backing vocals) and Kristoffer Vammen (guitar). Their follow-up ‘Serenity’ EP was launched at Elements of Rock 2014. The recording was done in Aarhus in Denmark at “the underworld” which is Levi’s home studio. They used tube mics for vocal and acoustics guitars, and then a tube preamplifier for every track. It gives a depth to the sound, along with mastered though analogue equipment. They continue to combine unblack and progressive death metal, but with more melodic elements.
