So, I had the continued pleasure to further delve into a band that I just recently reviewed and came away thoroughly enjoying. You can look into it, elsewhere on this site, and I will spare you the pain of going off on wild food metaphors and my overall verbose antics, and just stick to the plain and simple with the latest look into Ashen. I do ask, tho, take the time to listen to prior material from the band, of course, should you feel the desire to peruse my literary genius that is my review, and then we can take a brief foray into the new output from Australia’s own Ashen.
As mentioned, I came across Ashen, having heard another of their Australian metal brethren, Anoxia, who are similar in style but perhaps a bit harsher and grittier, but still oh so good. With Ashen, we get a tried and true representation of all that is good with Death Metal today. When it’s done right and put forth with conviction, we can’t help but sit up and take notice.
This is the 2nd full-length from the band and follows much of the same path as their debut, but perhaps with a bit more of an epic nature involved in their songwriting. Now we are not talking Dimmu Borgir grandiosity, but there is a bit more of a powerful dynamic at play here. I say this because the keyboard/ atmospheric nuances have been amplified a touch here, I feel. Now, this in no way detracts from the overall quality and the sound of the band, it just offers a bit more variation and flavor to the menu. (Ooops, sorry, I said no more analogies) Like previously stated, there is primarily a Floridian Death Metal tone happening here, but with some added elements that bring back the sound and vibe in what Equinox was doing way back when.
I said I would keep it simple, and I will end with this. If you enjoy tried and true Death Metal, and it’s presented in such a way of quality and honesty. It would behove you not to look further into this band. Also, I, being an artist I just have to mention the artwork for each release. Where the debut had its red and grey tones, and with the latest its eerie green and grays, it just adds to the overall presentation. I would and probably will be one of those fanboys who just has to have a tour shirt with either artwork involved.
Do yourselves a solid and check out this band.
