From Bandcamp, “The debut release from DRUPARIA, “The River Above,” features riffs in the heavy Melodic Death Metal in the style of "Character"-era DARK TRANQUILLITY and MORS PRINCIPUM EST with the atmosphere and emotion of INSOMNIUM and DARKEST HOUR.” Their latest album here has twelve songs, and “Voiceless Regret” is first. It has the hardened fervor of Death Metal, with a fast moving riff and drums, harsh vocals, and the bass work is pronounced, thickening up the song. The melody however, not so much…there is a little in the chorus. “Bereavement” is another burner where the band presses down the gas pedal and doesn’t let go. It has an uncompromising style, and the slowed down clean passage was very well done.

“Kintsugi” has some subtle melodies within the guitar work, and the album is staying strong through the first four songs. They also twist and bend the meter to their will. “Sever the Roots” has some nice strings and keyboards in the beginning, and the band is showing more of their creative side. The riffs, however, are starting to wear down a bit because they are ones that you have heard before. “The River Above” has a lot of energy and flashy musicianship but again, the band is working hard against a sound that is already too familiar to many fans. “Of Firmament…and the Renewal” has a slower sound that allows more of the band’s power to take center stage. There are also some wonderful melodies here, as well as some clean vocal harmonies.

“Bled for Comfort” has more meaty bass notes in the mix, and they very much support the overall songwriting vision of the band. They move forward in a tight instrumental union that does not crack. “When Cranes Return” is the final song, and I can hear the might of one of their influences (INSOMNIUM) within the dense chord structure and guitar work. Although some of the riffs were overly familiar, they made up for that with their excellent musicianship. However, the album didn’t further the sound already established by so many bands that came before them, and it didn’t have enough of their own personality. They have all the right ingredients to be an outstanding band, if they just take a few more chances.