Review from Metal Temple

Posted by Hypnotic Dirge Records on Monday, April 3, 2023 Under: English
From: Metal Temple
Published:
April 1, 2023
Original Link

From their record label’s website, “Crossing the realms of Post-Metal and Heavy Rock, “Beholden” is a 6 track, 60-minute album, that mixes Black Metal, Psyche-Rock-influenced solos and doomy riffs with male and female clean & harsh vocals. The record spans genres without living in any singular one and yields both a united heartbreaking and feral sound. “Beholden” will be released on May 26th, 2023. The overall theme is the power of relationships and connectivity. Life challenges us but ultimately, we have to know our own strength. Like the Stag Priestess depicted on the cover of the album, there is an otherworldly part of each of us that tames the fire of the unpredictable and approaches the world in spite of it with kindness. She can walk the forest in the dark. The songs call upon that desire." The album has six songs.

“Forgotten Kingdom” is the first. I hear mostly Doom Metal here…the sound is slow, the riffs are downtrodden, and the vocals harsh. The clean female vocals are a nice addition, but the music is fairly simple in scope. I really don’t hear any Post-Metal elements. “One More Fire” however breaks the mold. The opening sounds are melodic and pleasing. This ethereal sound is very nice, and although the mood is grey, it is beautiful as well. The harsh vocals are a nice contrast, and the song lingers for a long while, with Psychedelic and depressive elements. The bass work is excellent. “The Dagger” is a 14-minute opus. The opening tones are marked by a simple riff with both despondent and angry elements from the dual vocal style.

“Oh Brother” begins with more dreamy tones, and I am taken back to the 1970’s with early HEART influences. The sound morphs to harsh tones but the riffing stays elementary. The sound carries forward slowly and cautiously but without a lot of excitement. “Obliterated in the Face of God” is a short, two-minute song with some harrowing background elements, and feedback from the guitars. “Lie to the Angels” closes the album. This riff is both electrifying and smooth at the same time, and the tension in the air is thick. The harsh vocals are deadly accurate. Although the sound drags on a bit too long, it is pleasing. The ending is absolutely brutal, and reeks of the acrid stench of death.

Of all the songs on the album, I must admit, I prefer the dreamy and depressing ones most. It is in these moments that the band seems to be at their best. Doom seems to be the main sound that they are selling, especially considering the length of the songs. Post-Metal elements were hard for me to pick up on, however. I am anxious to hear more from the band, as they have peaked my interest.

Rating: 7/10
Reviewed by: Dave "That Metalguy" Campbell

In : English 


Tags: "inherus" "inherus beholden" "inherus metal" "forlesen" "lotus thief" 


 Released: May 26, 2023
Genre: Doom Metal

ORDER CD
ORDER BUNDLES
DIGITAL [NAME-YOUR-PRICE]