Prior to 2008, DAWN OF ASHES played Industrial/Aggrotech (a style of harsh electronic music). In September 2008, they announced they were moving into the Metal scene, specifically Black Metal. Following lineup changes early in 2012, the band again changed styles, re-incorporating electronic elements while still maintaining an extreme metal base. In 2019, the band returned to pure electronic music. Kristof Bathory briefly disbanded the band in mid-2014 amid legal complications. DAWN OF ASHES returned in 2016, and now present their "Scars of the Broken" album, which contains twelve tracks.

"(Descending) Torn Inside" opens the album. It's a short mood-setting instrumental, that opens with screams from a female pleading for her life amidst heavy electronica. "Love is Asphyxiation" begins with a steady dose of electronica and harsh vocals. The combination of Industrial music with harsh vocals makes for an interesting listening experience, especially when ambient background tones are steady throughout. "The Despondent Hole" features mostly Industrial elements with despondent clean vocals. Harsh vocals come in, but they remain in the background as whispers. "EMDR" also opens with Industrial elements and some background static. Harrowing elements begin to stir. You tuck yourself under the bed as the footsteps become more pronounced and closer.

"Bane of Your Existence" begins with more screams from a male subject. Harsh vocals and keys come in smoothly, as if the robber is slitting your throat with a warm and sharp blade while he smiles, and you don't even notice what is happening. "Limbo (Numb)" is a shorter song that keys in on the scarier elements of the album. The mesmerizing tone of the song keeps you guessing as to what horrors are out there waiting for you. "It Comes in Waves" opens with steady drum thuds and thick bass guitar notes. The vocals are edgy and part-harsh, as the drum beats take on the sounds of footsteps approaching. You are closer to dying than you think. "Heart Beats Cold" is another shorter song keying on your worst fears. Muted screams can be heard in the background, as the drums provide a heart-pounding beat.

"Turn it Shallow" begins with strings that frighten and harsh vocals. Electronic elements abound here in this landscape of grey skies that flash with tones of self-hatred. The title track features heavy electronic elements with subdued vocals. I really like the keyboard work here. It's subtle but so harrowing. "The Antidote" opens with a fuzzy guitar riff that goes deep and low, searching for the abyss. This song will make you feel depressed from the lyrics...just give up now. Closing the album is "(Ascending) Catharsis," a short, two-minute summary of the album. Ominous tones abound as your soul is about to be wiped clean...or is it?

Gritty, dirty, harrowing and sterile, this album is designed to take your fears and turn them against you. The steady crackles in the background combined with the Industrial elements of the music keeps your pulse raised throughout the album, wondering what else is out there or what might come next. The anticipation is thick. A warning: don't listen to this album alone in the dark...it might drive you mad by the end.