This is the debut album from a band which could in many ways be thought of as metal supergroup given they are comprised of Abro (bass, Ponte del Diavolo), Håkon Freyr Gustafsson (drums, Skinher), Haris (guitars, keyboards, Hail Spirit Noir) and Romain Nobileau (vocals, OWLS). The result is a release which is packed full of atmosphere, driving changes and huge dynamic switches in approach which makes for a fascinating listen. One could describe it as a journey of epic medieval black metal atmospheres and neo-classical arrangements with influences taken from the likes of Stormkeep, Summoning, and Dissection. Mixed and mastered by Dimitris Douvras ( Rotting Christ, Hail Spirit Noir) this never feels like a debut release, nor does it feel like here is a band who feel constrained in any way so if they want to switch from full on black metal assault to acoustic guitars and back again that is what they will do.
One of the many delights with this release is the way they continually switch and change, and it will be interesting to see how they approach this live as the twin guitars and keyboards are key to the overall sound, here all supplied by just Haris. Just five songs, with a total running time of 38 minutes, this is an album which refuses to sit within its pigeonhole and consequently will find appeal across a wide section of metalheads yet refuses to be commercial or constrained in any way. The only way to listen to this is at night with the volume up high and be taken away on an incredible journey as the armoured knight rides his stallion into the snowy mountains, flaming sword held high.
Rating: 8/10
Links:
https://riverflame.bandcamp.com/
https://www.auralmusic.com/