For the past ten years, Blaze of Sorrow have been a quiet, but important presence in black metal. They’ve worked from behind the scenes for the most part, delivering album after album of enjoyable folk black metal to a dedicated, fair-sized fanbase. In recent years, they secured a much-deserved place among Eisenwald’s ever-growing roster of first-rate black metal bands, and their first album with their newfound label might just be their best yet. Astri is a charming, bright, and very pretty offering from one of Italy’s finest musical exports.
One of the first things I noticed about Astri is that there’s more at play here than the usual neofolk/black metal combo we’re used to. On the album’s first track, at the 2:06 mark, the band kick in to one of the slickest rock n’ roll riffs I’ve heard in a good while, and I can’t help but be reminded of Falls of Rauros’ latest, since they also experimented with some vintage rock elements, and much like FoR, Blaze of Sorrow have incorporated them in a way that just clicks. Of course, the folk elements are just as present as ever. Many of the melodies present on Astri feel like they were written hundreds of years ago, on a farm in a mystic forest by elves.There’s that perfect balance between lightheartedness and beauty that many bands can’t seem to get right.
On of the more traditional tracks on the album is “Andromeda.” It makes sense that a song about another galaxy, separated from us by 2.5 million light years, would be one of the coldest tracks on the album. The chilly tremolos of classic black metal make up the bulk of this track, though towards the song’s back end we’re treated to some lovely synthesizers and keyboards, as well as some rather “groovy” riffs. “Andromeda” is immediately followed by “Empito.” If the album title Astri and song title “Andromeda” weren’t enough to tip you off already, I suppose now is a good time to point out that the album revolves around the theme of outer space. I mention this because “Empito” is the perfect soundtrack to a quiet night of stargazing. Even as the song’s beautiful intro fades into the band’s usual folky black metal, the track never really feels aggressive. “Empito” feels docile, compared to the rest of the material on the album, more inviting than abrasive, and more comforting than disconcerting. None of these are qualities you’d expect to find in your average black metal record, but hey, Blaze of Sorrow aren’t your average black metal band.
The album’s next song, “Il Ballo Silvestre” is just as interesting. Carried by band mainman Peter’s accordion and clean guitar playing, it’s a folky little number that’s just fun to listen to. You’d don’t often hear accordion in black metal, folky or otherwise, and Blaze of Sorrow have put it to good use here. Towards the end of the album, “Io, Nessuno” is another beautiful slab of more traditional black metal. Though this time, harsh growls are complimented by dramatic spoken word segments. Being the native speaker that I am, I didn’t understand any of what was being said, but if it’s as important as it sounded, it might well be worth seeking out a translation. Aside from the spoken word though, this song is mostly blackened business as usual. Until THAT riff hits. If you’ve heard this song already, you know the one. If not, you’ll know what I’m talking about when you hear it. It’s one of the album’s most rockin’ moments, and I’ll admit it really caught me off guard. Not an unpleasant surprise, however.
And finally, the closing song “Bruma” is a piece of ambient, atmospheric beauty. Perfectly captured by this song is that sense of childhood wonder everyone tries so hard to never let go of. It’s a beautiful, joyous and moving piece of music that ends the album on the highest possible note. Not only that, but it feels as though the final note of “Bruma” perfectly connects with the first note of “Neromanto,” the album’s first song, making it a satisfying loop.
2017’s been a slobberknocker of a year for black metal. Left, right and center we’re being bombarded by album after album of frosty, blackened bliss, and even still Blaze of Sorrow manage to stand out. Astri is a beautiful album about the stars and our place among them, and I can’t help but wish that my cell in the Indy Metal Dungeon had a window so that I could pop my head out and have a peek at the night sky while listening [ed. note: no one cares]. Astri is gorgeous, plain and simple. If this is the album that shoots Blaze of Sorrow into the upper echelon of black metal, I wouldn’t be surprised. Good show, boys.
You can purchase Astri from both Eisenwald’s site and Bandcamp page, as well as Blaze of Sorrow’s own Bandcamp page.
