Formed in 2017, DUSTBORN originates in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemian Region, Czechia. This is a Symphonic Death Metal band whose lyrical content echo's fantasy and suffering. A band full of mystery as little information exists on who they are. I will say, they are awesome. Their orchestral undertones really cause one to instantly like them. Yet they are not all together soft. If I had to guess they take some of their influences from Extreme Metal such as CRADLE OF FILTH, and others in that range of the world of metal. Which takes me back to my early days of being a metalhead, as I have always had a soft spot for melo/death.

"River Stained Red" has a beautiful, powerful, and fantasy-like melodic intro, this is the first one on the album. It even has some piano throughout the song to sink that fantasy aura so deep. Johny's strong vocals carry the momentum while the symphonic background tug at the heartstrings. "All of Our Anguish" has a powerful guitar play leads us into those extreme metal vocals. As I sit here, a cup of coffee on my left side and knitting on my right; I wonder, am I the only one who listens to hardcore metal and knits? This song has a great sound to knit to.

"Age of the Serpent" - Bubno on drums really stands out in this song. However, the guitars by Dandee, Tomas, Vlajda really pack a punch in this track as well. There is a real atmospheric vibe to be felt here. I can close my eyes and let the waves of sound wash me away. "Ethereal" has a wild, orchestra sound pulsating with metals heavy drums. Coinciding with thought provoking lyrics and vocals. All wrapped up in heart wrenching melodies, the rises and falls of its clashes of colorful sounds.

This album is a journey. Not at all what I expected to hear when I sat down to ponder what I was going to write about it. I really do like their sound, as I have heard them before when I was listening to the aforementioned CRADLE OF FILTH and was searching for a like-band to listen to, when someone recommended DUSTBORN to me. So, I can say this wasn't my first experience with them, and likely will not be my last. I do very much like how much orchestra or symphonic undertows they have. That sound that elicits images of masquerade balls.