Sweden’s HUMANITY’S LAST BREATH have been unleashing their genre-defying blend of modern metal for a decade now, crafting a sonic force that serves as a dire warning of an impending apocalypse. Their fourth album, “Ashen,” makes it crystal clear that the Swedish powerhouse has an unwavering dedication to only propel forward. Set for release on August 4th, 2023, via Unique Leader Records, we delve into this highly anticipated follow-up to their acclaimed 2021 release, “Välde.”
The epic journey unfolds with a dark atmospheric intro, leading into the opening track, “Blood Spilled.” This piece is as intense as it is slow, captivating the listener’s senses. Yet, throughout the song, there are some intriguing surprises in the riffage, creating at times a somewhat groovy sequence here and there. From the very outset of this listening experience, it becomes clear that this is an album meant to be cranked up, inviting you to cherish the immersive experience it offers.
“Linger,” on the other hand, stands out with its more progressive edge, adorned with captivating melodic riffs and vocal lines, infusing the track – and especially the record – with a profound emotional depth. The subtle interplay of different time signatures and tempo changes as the track progresses, further elevates the song, showcasing the band’s musicianship. “Lifeless, Deathless” has an almost mechanical aura, weaving foreboding guitar riffs and haunting melody lines together tastefully. The track’s evocative composition transports listeners to the edge of existence, where humanity’s impending doom becomes palpable through every resonating note.
Similarly to “Linger,” “Withering” contains big melodic choruses, introducing a touch of diversity to the album. However, when it comes to showcasing the band’s commitment to adding more atmosphere to the songs, “Instill” proves to be a striking example. This captivating song immerses you in an otherworldly realm, thanks to the inclusion of choirs that emit a subtle dissonance, creating an ethereal and haunting quality to the composition as a whole. The song’s massive production further accentuates its brilliance, enveloping listeners in a sonic landscape of unparalleled magnitude.
For those lacking an extra dose of groove so far, “Labyrinthian” and “Catastrophize” come to the rescue! These two thall tracks inject the album with some groovy riffs, making them a delight for listeners seeking an irresistible pull of headbanging. Continuing with “Death Spiral,” HUMANITY’S LAST BREATH showcase some excellent interplay between the drums and the guitars. Amidst this synergy, a piercing guitar melody rises ominously, shrouding the track with a haunting and hellish atmosphere.
During our first spin, “Shell” felt like a very straightforward track, but don’t be fooled… during the first half of the song, a faint, almost imperceptible droning string lingers in the background, transforming the entire track into an entirely new dimension. This subtle addition serves as a testament to the intricacies carefully woven into each layer of “Ashen,” inviting you to discover new details with every subsequent listen.
As an avid fan of elevating the atmosphere by including different elements, “Passage” spoke volumes with the addition of strategically placed captivating clean vocals to enrich its ambiance. The intensity of the song demanded a breather with the atmospheric intermezzo, “Burden,” meticulously crafted to serve as a soothing palate cleanser. The album reaches its climactic conclusion with the hard-hitting and relentless “Bearer,” a grand finale that unleashes a whirlwind of unbridled aggression; a fitting conclusion that cements the album’s status as monumental.
“Ashen” sets a new standard in HUMANITY’S LAST BREATH‘s discography, with a meticulously crafted mix that surpasses the quality of its predecessor, “Välde.” Each note resonates with a punch and overall, there’s a certain clarity present that elevates the overall sonic landscape amidst the heavy distortions. There’s a great balance between all the instruments and an overall grittiness to the sound that makes this a well-executed production on every level. Altogether, the album has an impeccable production, providing metal enthusiasts with a masterpiece that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
With “Ashen,” HUMANITY’S LAST BREATH demonstrate their adeptness at crafting a multi-dimensional auditory experience, solidifying their status as innovators in the realm of modern metal. I would welcome death’s embrace with open arms as long as the profound and soul-stirring listening experience that is “Ashen” would guide me through my final moments, offering perhaps a little bit of solace amidst the turmoil of the impending end of the world.
Written by Laureline Tilkin
Tracklist
1. Blood Spilled
2. Linger
3. Lifeless, Deathless
4. Withering
5. Instill
6. Labyrinthian
7. Catastrophize
8. Death Spiral
9. Shell
10. Passage
11. Burden
12. Bearer
Lineup
Fili Danielsson
Buster Odeholm
Calle Thomer (Studio)
Klas Blomgren
Tuomas Kurikka (Live)
Label
Unique Leader Records
