VEHEMENT, black metal band from the UK, are releasing their second LP "Ashes", via Infernum Records: this follows their first release in 2013, "Collapse". We find here a young yet wise band, able to render in this 7 tracks LP both power and layered depth. "Far Below Us" opens this release with an atmospheric glimpse onto a barren and scorched land until screamed vocals and high speed push the listener toward an eerie end.

Juxtaposing, "Ashes" starts on a brighter land which soon is devoured by dark atmospheres, with clean vocals to give it a special hint. "Carapace" is as short as beautiful and calm; "Thematic" turns back to the more violent themes, in one of the most shattering episodes of the release. "Burden's Root" is a well-balanced track, a melodic tune to contrast a bleak attitude. A clashing and giant finale is waiting in the end: longest tracks in the album, "The Turn of Passage" and "Tidal Verse" pound the listener with crushing drums and speed guitars in a sound behemoth which will leave a sign in the listener.

By far this is not a product we find as a band early release: VEHEMENT can master their skill into weaving a solid and multifaceted release: clean vocals oppose to the underlying violent motion, calm breaks stands out in the shattering surface. Songwriting and production keep the listener stuck, even in the longest episodes of the LP, gazing and admiring this textured gem.