ALBUM REVIEW: Hørizøns – Beyond The Black

The competition within symphonic metal has always been somewhat fiercer compared to metal’s other sub-genres. With bands like NIGHTWISH, WITHIN TEMPTATION and EPICA ruling the roost at truly unfathomable heights, for emerging bands that enter the symphonic metal ring, the expectations to trade blow after blow with these juggernauts can often leave bands failing to make a lasting impact. However, since forming in 2014, Germany’s BEYOND THE BLACK have been taking the sub-genre by storm thanks to Jennifer Haben‘s breathtaking vocals and a potency for nailing the symphonic metal template. Now, comes album number four, Hørizøns, and it shows that BEYOND THE BLACK are really starting to spread their wings and achieving a sense of their own individual identity.

If 2018’s Heart of the Hurricane demonstrated that BEYOND THE BLACK were starting to experiment and inject more pop sensibilities to their craft, then Hørizøns is arguably the product of a band full embracing the pop/metal hybrid rather than just injecting sporadic splashes of popular music tropes across the album. Indeed, in a way, this feels much more a pop rock album than an out-and-out symphonic metal album, and for the most part, it yields brilliant results and showcases the band’s knack for delivering catchy and memorable moments in abundance.

Lead single Misery is testament to this. Feeling akin to a Eurovision power ballad, the synths build in the background to Jennifer Haben‘s powerful vocals before the band unleash a chorus where her vocals soar over a bedrock of riffing that is simply uplifting. It’s laden with cheese sure, but it demonstrates that the increase of pop music influence can bring forth a positive sonic template. Speaking of memorable moments, BEYOND THE BLACK have a knack of producing choruses that are as memorable as they are brilliant.

Wounded Healer features a stunning duet from Haben and AMARANTHE‘s Elize Ryd where the two vocalists exchange stunning vocal lines and combine brilliantly well for a track that is delightfully enchanting, Golden Pariahs showcases that BEYOND THE BLACK haven’t forgotten their symphonic metal routes as a bombastic orchestra intertwines with splashes of pop to create an uplifting and captivating behemoth of a track and Some Kind of Monster is hands down the strongest song on the entire record. Here, the band’s various musical components are at their very best and intricate riffing, subtle symphonies build a solid atmosphere before unfolding into an explosive and jaw-dropping chorus where Haben‘s vocals soar against crooning melodies and backing vocals from her bandmates. It’s BEYOND THE BLACK at their very best.

As the album continues to unfold, it becomes clear that BEYOND THE BLACK are really coming out of their shell and embracing a sense of their own identity rather than follow the strict symphonic metal template set by their peers. Rather than trying to play catch up to those greats, it’s refreshing to see their wings stretch and grow into their own and when it works it is brilliant. The electronic bedrock of You’re Not Alone enables the band to pull you in as the soundscape twists and turns and Paralyzed balances the electronic and heavier elements remarkably well, resulting in yet another breathtaking chorus.

And yet, there are times where Hørizøns lacks the killer punch, and these culprits really stand out compared to the record’s strongest offerings. Human doesn’t quite hit the mark thanks to its plodding mid-tempo pace, Marching On‘s only saving grace is the way in which guitarist Chris Hermsdörfer duets with Haben in the vocal department and Out of The Ashes is nothing more than a trademark ballad you’d expect to hear on an album of this ilk. It’s fine and there is nothing particularly bad about it, it simply doesn’t offer anything that is particularly striking or memorable.

Whilst those who have followed BEYOND THE BLACK since their inception may be dismayed with their more commercial sounding record, there is no doubting that Hørizøns is a strong, memorable and uplifting collection of pop-laden metal songs. Plenty of bands have attempted to incorporate elements of pop into their metallic sound but BEYOND THE BLACK‘s hybrid feels authentic and represents who they are today. Hørizøns is BEYOND THE BLACK embracing their identity and judging from the quality on offer here, they are ready to make a giant leap forwards.

Rating: 8/10

Hørizøns is set for release on June 19th via Napalm Records.

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