USBM entity Brazen Horde follows up a single (though highly solid) self-titled EP with their debut full-length, Behold! The Ashen Cross. Let’s take a look at how things are going at the other side of the ocean.
Brazen Horde consist of four members, Dim Mak on the drums, Hrafin on bassduties and acoustic guitars, Rarog as the guitarist/vocalist and last but not least: Geistwolfe on synths and vocals. Each are active in multiple bands and had many past bands, so the expectations are high as we are dealing with experienced musicians.
The album opens with ‘Rittenbruder’s Dissent’, a musical intro is being presented. Not the annoying kind, but the one where the music starts directly. They are building up the tension and releasing it at the perfect moment, it sets the atmospheric mood just right. The production is not super clean, but a bit spacious and a tiny hint of rawness. Everything feels organic from the first second, many black metal bands could learn from this.
The organic feel of the music translates seamlessly into the riffs. Everything comes together as a cohesive piece, with the different parts complementing one another and enriching the overall sound. The vocals are not only screams, also a black metal style grunt has its parts. It brings a certain kind of depth to the music.
Synths add another layer of depth. Personally I am not a big fan of synths being used in black metal (I am more rhythm based as a person), but they are not overused and greatly enhance the general feeling of the music. Each track feels like a great epos and tells its own tale.
During the 42 minutes this debut contains, many great riffs, feelings, melodies and stories are being presented. I hear hints of Immortal and Ceremonial castings.
As the album released on the 22th of August this year, the tape is already available through Nithstang Productions, later this year it will be available on vinyl through Ixiol Productions. I, for one, am checking every day to get this piece on the black gold.
To summarize the album: Brazen Horde delivers a great debut. The tracks each feel like their own. The mix is great, a lot of room but greatly defined, spacious but spot on. The riffing is exciting and the synths add depth to the music, but not uninvited. The bass guitar could be a bit more present in my opinion, but the overall feeling is there. A great first debut, I am looking forward to more work as Brazen Horde now has a spot on my radar. And I can not wait to get this on vinyl.
85/100
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