ALBUM REVIEW: Mære – Harakiri For The Sky

February 22, 2021 Dan McHugh

The talent and potential which Austrian powerhouse duo Wahntraum and Sollak possess is quite frankly frightening, especially when they join forces to collaborate on their HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY project. It has been three years since the release of their fourth studio full-length Arson which to some was deemed as a misstep, this hasn’t phased the pair as they have decided to follow it up with an extensive 85 minute endeavour in the shape of Mære which is available now via AOP Records. Will this assist them in proving the doubters wrong?

I, Pallbearer commences with an initial run of soothing, cathartic tones that usher in a thumping drum beat. Just as you begin to get comfortable the track bursts into life with a surge of energetic drumming, melodic guitar work and powerfully emotive vocal passages. The vibrancy and distinct rawness gives you a sudden euphoric rush. Sing For The Damage We’ve Done continues with the frenetic waves of instrumentation, masterfully interwoven between pockets of calmness. Pummelling blast beats refuse to dip in speed or execution, with each hit feeling as potent as the last as the track masterfully sprints onwards. The uplifting riffs are delightfully addictive and wash over you with such elegance. Us Against December Skies offers up a dramatic, almost theatrical prose that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The chaotic blend of styles meshes together so seamlessly that you can’t help but just close your eyes and let it whisk you away.

I’m All About the Dusk adopts a more tentative tempo, with rumbling bass lines and an ominous, lurking presence. This is where the fragility and emotional ranges displayed in the vocals really begin to shine. This track in particular is true testament to the levels of versatility that Wahntraum and Sollak have in their bag of tricks. Three Empty Words decides to up the ante and begins to fire on all cylinders from the offset. Ferocious drumming hits you right in the chest as another dish of appetising riff work filled with mouthwatering hooks is served. Once Upon A Winter is guaranteed to have your spine tingling with its beautiful layering and undeniably catchy instrumentation. Moments of crystal clear serenity are thrown into a blender with intense chunks of extreme metal and it somehow mixes together perfectly.

And Oceans Between Us almost feels like a call to arms with its enticing tones that grip you instantly. Galloping drum beats and smooth swathes of guitar work hit that sweet spot. Powerful, anthemic riffing is also allowed its moment in the spotlight. Silver Needle // Golden Dawn introduces an inviting piano sequence that ushers in snappy drum fills and further shrieking vocal barrages. The guitar work that is so ridiculously moreish that it will be stuck in your head long after this journey has concluded. Time Is A Ghost takes a solemn acoustic turn that allows for a moment of contemplation and to digest what has brought us to this stage. Don’t get too accustomed to it however, as it will soon be negated by another boisterous rush of rapid fire drumming and insatiable guitar combinations. Mære has proven to be quite the crazy, unpredictable journey and what could be more fitting than one final curveball in the form of a cover of PLACEBO‘s Song To Say Goodbye. Whilst staying true to the initial blueprint of the original HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY certainly put their own incendiary stamp all over it to end this release on a scintillating high.

On first glance the hefty run time looks like it could well be a challenge to your attention span but Mære is packed full of brilliant compositions that are an absolute pleasure to behold. Whether HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY are gently ushering you through waves of graceful instrumentation or throwing a sea of wild chaos your way everything feels completely justified and slots together like pieces of an ingeniously maniacal jigsaw. It may be slightly premature to be considering Album Of The Year contenders at such an early stage in the game but this release is definitely one of the strongest offerings 2021 has brought to the table.

Rating: 10/10

Mære is out now via AOP Records.

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