Writ in Water is a short split between Sol Invictus, Sieben and HaWthorn, a collaboration of Tony Wakeford (Sol Invictus) and Matt Howden (Sieben). The split is dedicated to Keats, Shelley en Lord Byron, and that is very clear in the artwork (pictures of Shelley's tombstone) and lyrics, which are inspired directly by the work of these Romantic poets. The CD might not be very long, but every song is worth it.

The album starts with the beautiful, atmospheric "Light me the candle" by Sol Invictus. It is a long, calm song with an ambient-like background, piano, and Tony Wakeford's reverbing low voice which is later replaced with the guitar with which the song slowly fades out. After this, we're immediately presented with Howden's recognisable violin sound and vocals on "Degenerate Leander", a song inspired by the poem "Written After Swimming From Estos to Abydos" by Lord George Gordon Byron. "When the Lamp is Shattered" is sung by Wakeford again, and it also has a dark background, but it is a bit more chaotic than "Light me the Candle", because of the shrieking distorted violin. "Missolonghi Sky", then, is a typical Sieben song, in which Matt's violin is, as usual, responsible for many musical functions. This song is also inspired by Lord Byron, and is an excellent song on account of Sieben's original sound and catchy melody.

Writ in Water is a highly original and well played split. The Romantic theme is well implemented in music, layout and lyrics. Howden is consistent in delivering high quality, and also Wakeford's voice is in good condition, which isn't always the case. Furthermore, the songs fit together excellently in terms of atmosphere. The only downside is that the album might well have been a bit longer. Highly recommended to any widely oriented lover of folk.

D.M.K.