In Black Ashes
Onheil
From Bandcamp, "Recorded during the pandemic the album features mostly new members along with founding member Amok. The band decided against releasing the album during the pandemic, rather utilizing the time to bring the album to its full potential. Lyrics were improved, vocals re-recorded and solos - something that the band had not incorporated into their writing before - were added, adding a whole new dimension to the band's sound."
The album has seven songs, and "Night Terror" is the first. The opening guitar work is fantastic and well rounded, and the band builds subtle harmonies with them. The vocals are mostly in the Black Metal style. "In Black Ashes" has a slower pace that fills in quickly like cement being poured into a mold, and some of the chord progressions almost have a Classical style behind them. There is an unbridled energy to the album so far, and the band plays with a tight musicianship. "Like Shadows in the Night" has some start and stop passages where the band revs up for a big push.
"Void" has slower and more powerful sound. Again, the guitar work is really the glue that holds the sound together. "Beneath a Steel Sky" hears the pace pick up again to a faster sound with plenty of blast beats on the kit. It has a hastier feeling in the vocals as well. "Blood Thirst" has a similar sound and pace to the previous song. Once again, the guitar work shines here, and the band is using their twin-axe assault appropriately. Whatever effects are in the backing vocals are pretty nifty as well. "Master of Disease" closes the album. It struts forward with a nefarious purpose...to spread disease throughout the lands. The rich vocals in the chorus come through strong as well.
Overall, this was a solid release of Black and Death Metal morphed together. I can't say enough about the guitar work...it is really the best part of the album. The cover artwork is sick as well. My only critique might be if the band could push a little more diversity into the album, because they clearly have the talent to do so.
7 / 10
Good
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"In Black Ashes" Track-listing:
1. Night Terror
2. In Black Ashes
3. Like Shadows in the Night
4. Void
5. Beneath a Steel Sky
6. Bloodthrist
7. Master of Disease
Onheil Lineup:
Amok - Vocals/Guitar
Wrok - Guitar
Káosz - Guitar
Waanzin - Vocals/Bass
Toorn - Drums
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