#30-Inside the darkness

Hiraes
Melodic Death Metal band
from Germany released the
second Full-length album
Dormant on January 26,
2024.
Compared to their lauded
2021 debut, Solitary, it's
immediately evident that
HIRAES did not only grow
within their sound due to
countless live appearances, but
have invested more time and
energy into developing their
sophisticated songwriting
and production, leaning
further into their own unique
sound profile. Due to the use of
varying keys and sonic elements,
Dormant is undoubtedly fresh
without sacrificing the nuances
that caused their first album to
connect so successfully with
fans.
With their very first offering, HIRAES
already created an exciting new
melodic death emergence, built upon
a brutalized vocal attack, intense
melodies and aggressive guitars. On
Dormant, HIRAES flexes their own
trademarks in an intensified way,
ranging from versatile drumming,
catchy riffs and hymn-like melodies
to enthralling soundscapes and an
impressive vocal onslaught by singer
Britta.
From the epic intro of album opener
""Through The Storm"" - which bursts into
a thunderous melodic death metal assault
- to fast-paced ragers like ""We Owe No
One"", HIRAES delivers a truly versatile
album performance! The record’s lyrical
themes explore the struggles and resilience
of society amid modern challenges, and
inspires listeners to find calmness and
strength by focusing within themselves -
ultimately culminating in the monumental
title track ""Dormant"".
Lineup
Christian Wösten - Bass
Mathias Blässe - Drums
Oliver Kirchner - Guitars
Lukas Kerk - Guitars
Britta Görtz - Vocals
Blood Red Throne
Death Metal band from Norway
released the eleventh Full-length
album Nonagon on January 26,
2024.
Blood Red Throne celebrate 26
years in the scene and are still
going strong with their 11th and
strongest release so far, entitled
"Nonagon".
The band was started by still
remaining member, Daniel
"Død" Olaisen (guitar), when
playing in Satyricon in the 90's.
Original drummer, Freddy "the
Shred" Bolsø, returned in 2013
and Ivan "Meathook" Gujic
(guitar) have been in the team
since 2010. Stian "Clammy
Hackett" Gundersen (bass)
joined in 2018. Finally, Sindre
Wathne Johnsen took over the
vocals in 2023.
Band founder / guitarist Daniel
"Død" Olaisen
comments: "Blood Red Throne
has always been a combination
of groove and brutality. While
keeping true to the BRT sound
and feel, 'Nonagon' feels fresh
and new. The lyrics for the album
are loosely based on the nine
concentric circles of torment
described in 'Inferno' by Dante.
The album has nine songs and it
would be fitting to conceptualize
around that. That being said,
every lyric is up for interpretation
and I encourage people to find
their own meaning and themes
based on it."
Tracklist
1. Epitaph Inscribed
2. Ode to the
Obscene
3. Seeking to Pierce
4. Tempest Sculptor
5. Every Silent Plea
6. Nonagon
7. Split Tongue
Sermon
8. Blade Eulogy
9. Fleshrend
Lineup
Freddy Bolsø - Drums
Daniel "Død" Olaisen -
Guitars
Ivan Gujić - Guitars
Stian Gundersen - Bass
Sindre Wathne Johnsen -
Vocals
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