There are bands with an ample set of musical influences, and their musical works becomes so rich that mere labels given can't describe what the listeners will find on their releases. Many different releases back in the 80's, 90's and even today can't be labeled with the needed precision (or there would be an endless set of words to do so). So the best to be done is: to hear and enjoy a work. That's the best thing to be done with the Italian band BLAZE OF SORROW and their latest release, "Absentia".

Their musical work is based on a form of introspective and melancholic extreme music with some Folk ambiances and funereal melodies. And their approach is intense, full of atmospheric riches arrangements, creating a dense ambiance during the songs. Maybe the better description a fusion between Black Metal and Doom Death Metal elements with some melodic touches from Folk Music in some moments. But the right question to be done is: is it good? The answer: yes, it is, and very good, indeed.

The sound quality given to the album is a fine ensemble of ideas: the needed clarity with a crude feeling to express the extreme side of the band's music. The things seems to have being recorded with nasty and raw instrumental tunes to give that rusty and crude ambiance, but with the mixing and mastering (this last one being a work of Thomas Eberger) worried to make the songs sound clean and in a way that can be understand. But it could be better.

Their songs are long (none of them last less than five minutes), but not excessively. And the extreme and romantic appeal of the band can be felt on songs as "Settimo Requiem" (amazing guitars, both on extreme parts as in melodic moments, including the solos), "Furia" (another great work from guitars,  but with the harsh voices contrasting with some clan vocals), "Notturna" (a funeral and melancholic set of melodies that are somewhat accessible, and very good work from bass guitar and drums), and "Cupio Dissolvi" (that bear s bitter and charming appeal) are the best ones for a first visit on the album, what will induce the listeners for a second, third and endless hearings.

BLAZE OF SORROW is very good name, indeed, and although "Absentia" shows a lot of potential to be explored in the future, it's a great album.