ALBUM REVIEW: Where Fear And Weapons Meet – 1914
War is a common conceptual topic explored by metal bands aplenty but few do it as good as 1914. Since their formation in 2014, the Ukrainians have forged a wicked blend of the blackened death metal formula whilst displaying a staggering level of history accuracy as they dive into the turmoil of the First World War. After marking their name and truly establishing themselves with 2018’s stellar Blind Leading The Blind, now comes album three; Where Fear And Weapons Meet.
Building upon the foundations set by Blind Leading The Blind, Where Fear And Weapons Meet conjures a menacing amalgamation of blackened death metal with supporting epic orchestral in a setting that oozes historical accuracy. From the moment War In sets the scene with the original rendition of the famous Serbian song Tamo Daleko and unfolds the assassination of archduke Franz Ferdinand (the event that lit the torch paper and hurtled the world into war), 1914 hold nothing back and the results are simply jaw dropping.
FN .380 ACP#19074, named after the weapon that murdered the archduke, is utterly epic as thundering drums, venomous blackened riffs and sweeping orchestrals combine effortlessly and really ups the intensity of 1914‘s soundscape, Coward is a beautiful folky interlude that explores the shameful history of the British Empire with a stunning contribution from ME AND THAT MAN‘s Sasha Boole, and Pillars of Fire (The Battle of Messines) lives up to its namesake with a thundering aural composition that perfectly captures the frenetic and explosive environment of the battlefield.
Whilst previous records conceptually held nothing back and truly basked in the horror and despair of The Great War, this time, 1914 focus on life and survival; albeit wounded and scarred from one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history. This fragility of hope only makes the music itself all the more impactful as the pummelling riff in Vimy Ridge (In Memory of Filip Konowal) conjures images of the grave mortality of going over the top into battle only experienced by those who fought, whereas the blistering and bombastic Don’t Tread On Me (Harlem Hellfighters) shines the spotlight on the courageous Harlem Hellfighters, who despite giving everything for the US in their role conflict, faced the ugly nature of racial segregation; indicating the cruel nature of surviving war and returning home to prejudice.
That’s not to say that 1914 have softened any of their razor-sharp edge though, if anything, Where Fear and Weapons Meet showcases the band at their most venomous state yet. Mit Gott für König und Vaterland boasts some truly sinister orchestrals that enhance the sinister vocals whilst …And A Cross Now Marks His Place is the most solemn and despairing song on the record as the band, aided by PARADISE LOST‘s Nick Holmes, tell the harrowing story of the death of private A. G. Harrison with the utmost historical accuracy.
Blind Leading The Blind established 1914 as a force to be reckoned with but with Where Fear And Weapons Meet, 1914 have truly hit an unfathomable level of excellence. Gripping and utterly bombastic, few can replicate the tales and experiences of The Great War In metallic form like the Ukrainians can and its impact will sit long in your memory upon its conclusion.
Rating: 9/10
Where Fear And Weapons Meet is out now via Napalm Records.
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