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📸 – Jesper Blom
Humanity’s Last Breath’s latest offering, “Ashen”, released on August 4th, 2023 via Unique Leader Records, is a formidable exploration of sonic extremity that pushes the boundaries of modern metal. The album serves as a harrowing journey through a desolate landscape of sound, encapsulating the raw intensity and bleak atmospheres that the band is known for.
The album commences with “Blood Spilled”, which starts with an epic choir vocalizing in an apocalyptic way, slowly growing into a relentless onslaught of crushing riffs and thunderous drums that immediately establish the album’s unyielding heaviness. This sets the stage for the atmospheric “Linger” where ethereal textures intertwine with the band’s signature brutality, creating an immersive sonic experience that lingers long after the song ends.
“Lifeless, Deathless” follows, showcasing Humanity’s Last Breath’s ability to seamlessly weave between moments of sonic devastation and haunting introspection. The track’s intricate instrumentation and pummeling rhythms exemplify the band’s technical abilities.
“Withering” continues the sonic assault, delivering a torrent of relentless aggression that hammers the listener with unrelenting force. The track’s sheer intensity, and almost melodic sound at times is a testament to the band’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of their sound.
As the album progresses, “Instill” introduces an eerie aura, gradually building tension before erupting into a cacophony of sonic chaos, leading seamlessly into “Labyrinthian”, which lives up to its name by immersing the listener in a maze of complex rhythms and dissonant melodies.
“Catastrophize” further amplifies the album’s sense of unease, combining haunting atmospheres with a visceral onslaught of sound. The band’s ability to evoke a range of emotions within their music is a testament to their songwriting mastery.
“Death Spiral” takes the listener on an intense sonic journey, alternating between moments of eerie tranquility and cataclysmic heaviness. The band’s meticulous attention to dynamics is on full display, creating a multi-dimensional listening experience.
“Shell” offers a brief respite, a moment of sonic introspection that allows the listener to catch their breath before the album’s climactic conclusion. This introspective mood continues with “Passage” where the introduction of clean vocals adds an ethereal dimension to the band’s sonic palette.
The album also features the captivating instrumental track “Burden”, which serves as a poignant interlude within the album’s sonic onslaught. “Burden” offers a moment of respite, allowing the listener to contemplate the weight of the album’s themes in a more contemplative atmosphere. The track’s evocative melodies and haunting melodies create a sense of introspection, offering a brief but impactful departure from the album’s relentless heaviness, then eerily leading right into the album’s finale, “Bearer”, which encapsulates the culmination of the emotional and sonic journey that “Ashen” undertakes.
The production on “Ashen” is top-notch, allowing every track to carve its distinct space within the sonic landscape. The mix ensures that the bone-crushing heaviness hits with maximum impact, while also highlighting the nuanced layers that contribute to the album’s rich sonic tapestry.
“Ashen” stands as a testament to Humanity’s Last Breath’s growth as a band. While maintaining their signature intensity, the album showcases a refined approach to songwriting and a heightened sense of atmosphere. The incorporation of clean vocals and the seamless transitions between moments of chaos and calm mark a significant evolution in their sound.
Humanity’s Last Breath has once again proven their prowess in pushing the boundaries of extreme music with “Ashen.” The album’s unrelenting intensity, coupled with its ability to create an immersive and emotionally charged experience, solidifies the band’s position as innovators within the metal genre. “Ashen” is a testament to the band’s dedication to their craft and their commitment to delivering music that resonates on both a visceral and cerebral level.
Verdict: 4/5
Ethereal Metal 
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