Ablaze My Sorrow
Among Ashes and Monoliths

Swedes that Ablaze sorrows who have now been around for quite a while, the band was formed all the way back in 1993 and since then they have managed five albums counting this one. So, they haven’t been releasing albums at a blistering pace but maybe they have gone for quality instead of quantity, I haven’t really followed the band closely so I cannot say if they have but with this album in consideration I have my doubts about that. This new and fifth album is called Among Ashes and Monoliths and it hasn’t been gifted the very best of cover arts.

It has been gifted some melodic death metal, Gothenburg style, the same as bands like In Flames, At the Gates and more. While the other mentioned flamers have evolved a lot since those beginnings in the nineties, Ablaze My Sorrow are truer to form, but not without some fresh elements. They use strong melodies, strings and more combined with the power of the death metal. The band has a new vocalist, not really something that easily noticed but it is so. The album itself is really well produce, it has decent dynamics and good variation, pretty good vocals. A really well-made album that also offers a sensible playing time.

Not the most original of album, there aren’t really any surprises here. Instead, we are getting the craft of the melodic death metal done really well and there is not major weakness to be found. But there are arguments against, like that mentioned lack of originality, but also the lack of memorability. There are also arguments for the album, like the raw energy, the modern and fresh sound, good songs. Fans of the style will most likely find this album very agreeable, perhaps even really good.

So, I think this one is worth checking out, it is relatively enjoyable to listen to. I find it to be a fine album, my argument against is the lack of memorability, but that isn’t something I think about when listening to it. I like it, and I recommend that you who are a fan of the melodic death metal check it out, there is a high likelihood that you will like Among Ashes and Monoliths. A very solid death metal album, I don’t think it is their best and it is not the best I have heard in the genre, but nevertheless a fine album.

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