ALBUM REVIEW: Voices In The Sky – Brymir
There have been some standout releases from melodic death metal’s Mount Rushmore bands so far this year and while the old guard is still firing on all cylinders, there are a few bands chomping at the bit to break into the spotlight. Helsinki-based BRYMIR is one such band and their latest album Voices In The Sky proves that they are more than just an outsider looking in. Since their 2011 introduction into the scene, the band have been an underground favourite with their folk-tinged melodic death metal that not only encapsulates the sound from the scene but also the spirit.
The opening title track is the perfect example of their craft. A folk guitar intro is soon shoved aside by a blistering riff and suddenly you are captivated by the heroic amalgamation of all that is epic. The choir chorus and bridge add to the already grand scale of proceedings. It’s style is reminiscent of old-school ENSIFERUM, that causes instant goosebumps. This is melodic death at its power metal-admiring best. Rolling straight into the pummelling Forged In War, the relentless beginning of the album continues. It features a pit-stirring bridge section that is sure to hit even harder in a live setting.
There are never any quiet moments on the album – a few tracks feature a slightly slower pace but are no less heavy. The synth-led verses on Rift Between Us showcase a slight nod to SOILWORK and feature one of the most sizeable choruses on the album along with the soaring Fly With Me. The latter makes you feel like you’re zooming majestically above the Fjords in a wingsuit.
The guitars on the album, expertly handled by Sean Haslam and BATTLE BEAST’s Joona Björkroth, are certainly impressive. They work beautifully in unison and the album features some of the most tasteful solos of the year so far. They are flashy and bombastic without being over the top and unnecessary. Both attack all riffs without utmost ferocity and vigour which can be seen on tracks such as the ripping Borderlands or the unwavering Seeds Of Downfall, which wouldn’t sound out of place on a CHILDREN OF BODOM album.
The drumming is superb and is complimented well by the stellar modern production. They are punchy and commanding without overpowering the majesty of the guitars. The vocals from Viktor Storm Gullichsen are powerful and you can feel the raw emotion pouring out as his growls launch over the top of the instruments with ease. All Is One ends the album and is a showcase of his talents. The slight change of pace is also a great way to end the album. It’s an extravagant eight-minute showcase for everything the band is capable of.
This is an album that will translate perfectly to the live circuit. You can conjure images of the hordes of Wacken or Bloodstock arm in arm chanting along to the heroic Landfall (which features a cathartic key change) or the ‘all for one, one for all’ comradery of Far From Home. To not only stand beside the melodic death greats that have released albums this year, but to surpass them in quality is a truly monumental feat. BRYMIR has one hand on the crown and when they play tracks from Voices In The Sky live, it will be theirs for the taking.
Rating: 9/10
Voices In The Sky is set for release on August 26th via Napalm Records.
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