Biography

Originally from Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, the quintet was formed with the intention of
publishing a trilogy, called The Warren of Snares, eventually co-produced by several labels, based on a
loose interpretation of the mythology present within the Richard Adams novel, Watership Down. The
trilogy is composed of the albums Owsla, Elil and Inl. In the novel, Efrafa is a rabbit colony ruled by a
dictator, who oppresses rebels through his elite police, the Owsla. In the context of the bands concept,
Owsla represents the populace around which the story revolves, the Efrafa representing humanity. In
the clutches of a theocratic dictatorship, their society is on the brink of collapse. With the encroachment
of the Efrafa, an invasive species, this dictatorship turns to blind faith, obedience and punishment for
answers. The story records the uprising by those who defy the word of rule and religion, culminating in
not only the dethronement of their leader, but a futile charge against the Efrafa.
The band presents their political and social ideology, which includes references to animal rights and
deeply held atheism; they also attack humanities destructive habits, while analysing their relationship
with religion and fight against tyranny.[1] Among their influences, the band cites Agalloch, Godspeed
you! black emperor, His Hero Is Gone and Neurosis. The trilogy is cyclical and runs in reverse; with
Owsla representing the climax and eventual rebirth of the story. This is signified by a passage of cello
which bookends the trilogy - representing the eventual rise and fall of empires and our inability to learn
from past mistakes.
The band's first album, Owsla, came out in 2006, alternating the D-beat of emo crust with the
melancholic melody of post-rock, along with some post metal influences. The album title is a word in
lapine language that in the novel corresponds to the elite warriors of the warren, who very often take
advantage of their position by abusing their power over other rabbits. In the context of the record, the
Owsla is a name bestowed upon all by their despotic leader, in a cynical move to give his people a false
sense of empowerment. This record documents the final charge against the Efrafa.
The second album, Elil (in lapine language, "enemy"), released the following year, is divided into 3
songs, all of them over 20 minutes. The genre that predominates in this record is post-rock, expressing
a bleak melancholy atmosphere, that in several cases merges with the fast rhythms and distorted guitars
of post-hardcore, progressively taking inspiration from doom metal.[2] The concept continues with a
view of the psychology of those within a society fighting religious oppression, both internal and
external.