The Athens-based symphonic metal band Mystfall has been through a lot since they put out their debut album, "Celestial Vision," back in 2023. They had six members as opposed to the current three, they changed their cover aesthetics from industrial-looking shit to a cleaner look, and now they're releasing "Embers of a Dying World." My time with symphonic metal has been pretty hit-or-miss, as it's a pretty confined genre. Sure, Septicflesh added death metal to get the metal jocks squirming, and Dimmu Borgir convinced the kvlt to get on board, but can Mystfall bring anything new?

The opener and lead single for the album, "Whispers in the Tempest," is only a taste of what's to come. An intense (and probably fabricated) orchestra takes control, but generously lets the guitars shine. Marialena's vocals are smooth and easy on the ears, and I can say the same about the instrumentation. "Embers of a Dying World" turns the intensity up a notch, with the power metal-esque drum galloping and forefront guitars. Before you know it, THE GUTTURALS COME IN!!1! Session bassist and harsh vocalist Stelios Varotsakis introduces the first growls early on in the album, which is only another enticing attribute to this package. They're not abused, either. They're there when they're needed and no further. The orchestra comes back in "Guardians of the Earth," with violins, cellos, violas, and whatever other stringed instruments there are. Other than that, pretty forgettable. "The Nectar and the Pain" is a randomly placed "300" soundtrack excerpt. "Sleeper in the Abyss" is a dark, cabaret-sounding track that evokes their gothic tinge of yesteryear. It's not that exciting until the harsh vocals return. I promise I am not as shallow as you think; I just like harsh vocals.

"Fading Memories" gets the adrenaline pumping again. More melodic death metal elements, higher cleans, and faster playing are all found in this track. The choir (of uncredited, hopefully real people) starts "Crimson Dawn." It traverses both rough and peaceful terrain, and its variety of vocals and symphonic elements make "Crimson Dawn" an instant highlight. Hell, even the guitar solo is cool. "Cosmic Legends" sounds quite Celtic in a way. I need to read up on my classical instruments, but I think a fiddle has found its way in. Funky-ass keyboard work and more harshness also found their way. "Echoes of Archadia" is another solid song that shows the great juxtoposition of operatic singing and gritty riffing yet again. "Remnants of Tomorrow" closes this LP on a calmer note, and I'll take a ballad closer any day.

Well, no one told me about the gutturals! Mystfall's newest album, "Embers of a Dying World," is a one-ton brick of symphonic metal that almost any listener can find enjoyable. Every track is well-produced, clean, and pleasurable to listen to. I feel like Mystfall can stand their ground in the sea of symphonic metal. By the way, did you know that Graham crackers were invented to help combat self-pleasure? After listening to this album, there's an empty box of them on my desk. Hope it works!