Italian melodic death metal band MIARA have unleashed their highly anticipated debut album, “Hungering Inside,” on November 17th, 2023, via Finnish Inverse Records. Founded in 2022 by Antonio and Francesco Grillo, The band started because they wanted to express the vulnerability felt during the pandemic. MIARA is characterized by a powerful, modern sound influenced by melodic connotations typical of the Northern European music scene. Their new single, “Ascending to Second Life,” not only marked their musical debut but also garnered immense acclaim across online platforms, setting the stage for their meteoric rise.

The album kicks off with “Hungering Inside,” setting the tone for what’s to come. It highlights MIARA‘s powerful melodic death metal essence, introducing listeners to their signature sound – a fusion of raw emotion blended with Markus‘ dynamic vocals, both growling and singing, alongside complex instrumental melodies. This track invites you into a hauntingly captivating journey right from the start.

Continue with “You Still Remain,” the intro of Guido’s drumming creates a captivating sound surrounding the listener until the kick with the guitar riffs. This track explores enduring emotions, weaving together melodic riffs and evocative lyrics, heightened by Marcus‘ compelling blend of melodic, rough, and screaming vocals. It carries a resonance of persistence and reflects on the lasting impact of emotions even through turbulent times.

With “The Gate of Hell,” stepping into intense depths, this song unleashes a sonic landscape filled with gripping instrumentals with powerful guitar riffs and progressive pauses to give a listener to pay attention. It explores darker territories, reflecting the band’s ability to infuse heaviness with melodic precision. The song resolves toward the end with a melodic solo by Antonio and Ruben that gives another perspective of a heavy rough song.

“Fit Into the Mold,” erupting with defiance, this track juxtaposes intense playing with a compelling narrative. It embodies a rebellion against conformity, showcasing the band’s prowess in blending aggression with melodic undertones. Despite the song’s aggression the playing melodies between guitarists gives another dimension to the song. Track “Save Me” starts with clean crisp guitars. Gentle string picking turns into aggressive yet powerful riffs that lead the song into a haunting plea that echoes through this track, resonating with a plea for redemption. Its emotive essence stands out, showcasing MIARA‘s capacity to evoke deep emotions through their music.

“Broken Bond” is a short instrumental song almost a meditative repeating guitar-picking melodie that gives the listener a short break to reflect and calm. The song is very emotive unravelling the complexities of broken connections, capturing the listener’s heart with its rawness. The song seamlessly blends into “My Will Dominates” which emanates unyielding strength, serving as a powerful anthem where dynamic and forceful playing blend seamlessly with the singer’s growling and screaming vocals. The track’s resonant melodies create a harmonious balance, resulting in a potent and pleasant overall melody that deeply resonates.

“Trying” is reflective and introspective, this song captivates with its melodic intro with soft singing. Markus again shows how he can use his voice as a versatile instrument. The song invites listeners to contemplate, highlighting the band’s versatility in crafting emotionally charged compositions.

“Honesty Is a Dream” concludes the album with its ethereal echoes, creating a dream-like ambiance that envelops listeners. This track, enriched by progressive elements and harmonized melodic solos skillfully performed by Antonio and Ruben, offers a pleasant and intriguing listening experience. It not only wraps up the journey but also leaves a lasting sense of reflection and musical euphoria, adding depth to the overall album experience.

MIARA‘s debut album “Hungering Inside” embarks on an energetic journey, paying homage to their influences while crafting an intense and emotionally charged experience. Each track resonates with raw passion and homage-driven energy, beckoning listeners into an immersive listening experience. While drawing inspiration from various sources, MIARA‘s melodic death metal prowess, intertwined with intense narratives, forges a unique and diverse musical path. Comparisons to bands like IN FLAMES would be unjust; MIARA carve their own identity, offering a distinct sound and style that provides a rich tapestry of diversity for listeners to explore and appreciate. This album isn’t just a collection of tracks; it’s an evocative journey that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

Written by Peter Jerman

Tracklist

1. Hungering Inside
2. You Still Remain
3. The Gate of Hell
4. Fit Into the Mold
5. Save Me
6. Broken Bond
7. My Will Dominates
8. Trying
9. Honesty Is a Dream

Lineup

Antonio Grillo – Guitar
Ruben Sanchez – Guitar
Francesco Grillo – Bass
Guido Romano – Drums
Markus Kristoffersson – Vocals

Label

Inverse Records

Links