Shattering Eardrums
Raiders of the Abyss
Pixelated Rebellion🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Through the Storm
Track 2: We Owe No One
Track 3: Undercurrent
Track 4: Chance to Fail
Track 5: About Lies
Track 6: Come Alive
Track 7: Ocean Child
Track 8: Nightflight
Track 9: Red Soil
Track 10: Dormant
🎸 Album Review:
Hiraes, the German melodic death metal band formed in 2020, has made a striking debut with their first full-length album, ‘Dormant’. Released in 2021, this album showcases the band’s ability to blend aggression and melody seamlessly, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience for fans of the genre.
From the moment ‘Dormant’ kicks off with the opening track “Through the Storm”, listeners are immediately enveloped in a whirlwind of intense riffs, thunderous drumming, and guttural vocals. The album’s sound is characterized by a perfect balance between the brutality of death metal and the melodic intricacies that add depth and emotion to each track. The band’s tight musicianship and knack for crafting memorable hooks are evident throughout the album, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish.
Thematically, ‘Dormant’ explores introspective and existential themes, delving into the struggles and challenges of life and the human experience. Tracks like “We Owe No One” and “About Lies” touch upon themes of defiance and self-discovery, while songs like “Red Soil” and the title track “Dormant” delve into darker, more introspective territories, reflecting on themes of inner turmoil and emotional stagnation.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Ocean Child”, a haunting and atmospheric piece that showcases the band’s ability to create mood and atmosphere with their music. The track starts off with a melancholic guitar melody that gradually builds in intensity, leading to a climactic chorus that is both emotionally charged and musically impressive. The juxtaposition of clean vocals and harsh growls adds depth and texture to the song, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Another standout track is “Nightflight”, a fast-paced and aggressive song that is sure to get heads banging. The relentless energy of the track is infectious, with blistering guitar solos and pummeling drums driving the song forward with unrelenting force. The band’s technical proficiency is on full display in this track, showcasing their ability to deliver complex and intricate arrangements with precision and skill.
In comparison to their previous work as members of Dawn of Disease, Hiraes has managed to carve out a unique identity with ‘Dormant’. While the band’s roots in melodic death metal are still evident in their music, they have managed to push the boundaries of the genre with this album, incorporating elements of black metal and progressive metal to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
Overall, ‘Dormant’ is a stunning debut album that showcases Hiraes as a force to be reckoned with in the world of melodic death metal. The album’s powerful blend of aggression, melody, and emotion is sure to resonate with fans of the genre, while also drawing in new listeners with its dynamic and engaging sound. With ‘Dormant’, Hiraes has set the bar high for themselves, and it will be exciting to see where they go from here.
Sound Apocalypse
Dark Symphony