🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Noemata
Track 2: Astral Larvae
Track 3: A Husk Wrung Dry
Track 4: Lithopaedion
Track 5: Nebulae
Track 6: Stagnated Blood
Track 7: Sphageion
Track 8: Chrysopoeia
Track 9: Ashen Womb
🎸 Album Review:
Danish death metal outfit Phrenelith has returned with their sophomore effort, ‘Ashen Womb’, an unrelenting and dark journey into the depths of extreme metal. With a tracklist that reads like a descent into madness, the album showcases the band’s evolution and mastery of their craft.
From the opening track ‘Noemata’, Phrenelith wastes no time in establishing their signature sound – a sonic assault of crushing riffs, pummeling drums, and guttural vocals that create an atmosphere of dread and despair. The production on ‘Ashen Womb’ is raw and visceral, adding to the overall feeling of unease and chaos that permeates the album.
Thematically, ‘Ashen Womb’ delves into the darker aspects of existence, with lyrics that touch on topics such as decay, nihilism, and the futility of life. This bleak outlook is mirrored in the music itself, with dissonant chords and haunting melodies creating a sense of impending doom.
Standout tracks on the album include ‘A Husk Wrung Dry’ and ‘Chrysopoeia’. The former is a relentless onslaught of blast beats and tremolo-picked riffs, showcasing the band’s technical proficiency and ability to create a sense of tension and urgency. The latter track, ‘Chrysopoeia’, stands out for its dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, moving from frenetic aggression to brooding atmosphere seamlessly.
Comparing ‘Ashen Womb’ to Phrenelith’s debut album, ‘Desolate Endscape’, reveals a band that has refined and expanded upon their sound. While ‘Desolate Endscape’ was a more straightforward and traditional death metal offering, ‘Ashen Womb’ sees Phrenelith pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories. The songwriting on ‘Ashen Womb’ is more intricate and layered, with a greater emphasis on atmosphere and mood.
The overall impact of ‘Ashen Womb’ is one of sheer devastation. The album is a relentless assault on the senses, dragging the listener into a nightmarish world of despair and decay. The band’s musicianship is top-notch, with each member delivering a performance that is both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
In conclusion, ‘Ashen Womb’ is a masterclass in modern death metal, showcasing Phrenelith as a force to be reckoned with in the extreme metal scene. With its dark themes, crushing riffs, and haunting atmosphere, the album is a harrowing journey into the depths of human suffering and despair. Fans of bands like Incantation, Dead Congregation, and Grave Miasma will find much to love in Phrenelith’s latest offering. ‘Ashen Womb’ is a testament to the band’s growth and creativity, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting acts in contemporary death metal.