ALBUM REVIEW: Reclaim – From Sorrow To Serenity

It’s been almost three years since FROM SORROW TO SERENITY exploded onto the scene with their debut full length Remnant Of Humanity, a handful of single releases later everyone is champing at the bit for the impending release of follow up Reclaim which is due for release on 22nd March via Longbranch Records. With this being the first release with frontman Gaz King settled firmly in their ranks will the Scottish groove metal outfit continue their rise?

Denounce builds the tension with a teasing intro before bursting into pulsating drums and pummelling riffs. Gaz instantly makes his presence felt with a barrage of raw fury. As the track progresses enticing melodies lure you in. We Are Liberty shifts gears with some unrelenting rhythmic bludgeoning that is a sharp shock to the system. FROM SORROW TO SERENITY waste little time in unveiling the sheer brute force they are capable of. The opening segment of recent single release Reclaim is so ridiculously catchy that you’ll be unknowingly humming along to it hours after listening. Whilst not quite as destructive as it’s predecessors it still packs an incredibly potent punch and deserves a place in their future touring schedules.

Alight will provide no respite as it continues to jab you with a downtuned riff attack which is guaranteed to get your head moving. Perpetrator comes thundering in like an earthquake packed full of seismic levels of groove. Each wave hits harder than the last and leaves you gasping for breath. The alluring melodies which flow throughout the chorus further enhance the arrangement. Solitude follows suit with searing screams and an energetic pace. The intricate leadwork charges the pounding beatdown.

Unity Asunder ebbs and flows between subtle leads and ferocious sonic blasts swiftly by an earth shattering breakdown that feels like it’s summoning a portal straight to Hades. Inside A Soul initially takes a more subdued approach but still harbours the capability to strike you with its venomous riffing at any given moment. Any avid followers of FROM SORROW TO SERENITY will be fairly acquainted with Supremacy by this point but it doesn’t stop the track hitting you like a breeze block to the teeth. Gaz showcases his arsenal of skills with some spine tingling pitched screaming as rounds of frenzied drumming and boisterous guitar work come hurtling thick and fast in your direction.

7 keeps the energy levels running at optimum capacity with a sturdy momentum and some particular vicious sounding blastbeats for good measure. The expertly executed solo which follows adds the exclamation point. Closing track Resurgence ensures the groove is maintained until the very end. The emotionally driven chorus provides one of the most poignant moments Reclaim has to offer, showcasing another intriguing skill in the band’s repertoire which could resurface in future material.

Whilst the silence of genre frontrunners HEART OF A COWARD is becoming deafening, FROM SORROW TO SERENITY have taken the ball and ran with it. Creating an album which gets your adrenaline flowing throughout is no easy feat but Reclaim consistently delivers and will have you insatiably returning for more. It’s mind blowing to think that guitarist Steven Jones juggles duties with BLEED FROM WITHIN and still has the time to write and produce such a stunning effort. Watch this space as FROM SORROW TO SERENITY just laid down the gauntlet and show no signs of stopping there.

Rating: 9/10

Reclaim is set for release on March 22nd via Long Branch Records.

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