Album Review: Harakiri For The Sky - Scorched Earth
Reviewed by Rich Oliver
Austrian duo Harakiri For The Sky continue to delve into the realms of anguish and despair with the release of their new album “Scorched Earth” which is the sixth full length album from the band. The duo consists of M.S. on all instruments and J.J. on vocals and since their formation in 2011, Harakiri For The Sky have delivered an intensive and emotionally charged style of post-black metal. This is not music for the faint hearted as it is relentless in its intensity and delivery as well as the heavy emotional nature of the music.
The core sound and style of Harakiri For The Sky hasn’t changed too much from the band’s debut though there has been definite growth in terms of depth and maturity with each subsequent release and that is much the case with “Scorched Earth”. The album kicks off in fine style with ‘Heal Me’ which is the band playing to all their strengths with its mix of melancholy and fury but the real emotional power of this record manifests itself in songs such as ‘Keep Me Longing’, ‘Without You I’m Just A Sad Song’ and ‘I Was Just A Promise You Couldn’t Keep’ which are cinematic in their scale full of luscious melodies and raw power but with the right amount of delicateness included as well. Album closer ‘Too Late For Goodbyes’ brings things to an epic conclusion with guest vocals from Serena Cherry of Svalbard being a welcome addition.
The musicianship is at stunning levels throughout “Scorched Earth” and with all instruments performed by one person it really showcases what a talented musician that M.S. is. The vocals by J.J. are effective but as on previous albums they can be a bit one-dimensional and monotone with quite a hardcore element to the vocal delivery. At some points the vocals really fit the power and emotion of the music and at other times they sound wholly out of place but thankfully not to the point of distraction. Whilst I may have some issue with the vocals, the music more than makes up for it.
The album is a hefty one with all songs being lengthy and in excess of seven minutes but the songs are all very well crafted though can be a bit on the repetitive side but this is an album that you can easily get lost in. “Scorched Earth” mixes light with darkness, melody with aggression and emotion with ferocity and is another excellent release from a band who really are at the forefront of the post-black metal movement. If you are a fan of bands such as Deafheaven, Ellende and Møl then this album should definitely be making its way onto your playlist.
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