Torchbearer - Warnaments
Regain Records - RR106 - 2006
By Philip Whitehouse
Warnaments, a keyboard-infused melodic death metal concept album dealing with a WWII naval battle off the shores of Britain, is the second album by Torchbearer, a Swedish supergroup of sorts comprising of members of Scar Symmetry, Satariel and Unmoored. It combines an impressively thick yet detailed production with a varied songwriting approach that creates a an immersively dramatic, intricately melodic yet still powerfully heavy atmosphere, making this a very interesting album.
Considering the talent of the individuals involved, it's perhaps little surprise that Warnaments is packed full of hellishly impressive instrumental performances - the little melodic bridges in 'Burial Waters, Deepsome Graves' combine with the soaring synths and the alternately screaming/roaring vocals to great affect, for instance. What is more surprising, and very impressive, is how well everything gels together in the overall service of the song. I read in an interview that the previous Torchbearer album was composed as a group effort, while this time round, all songwriting was handled by one member. That would explain the unified focus of the performances, and the consistency of the material.
One issue with Warnaments is something that I brought up in my earlier Mirrorthrone review - at times, there is so much going on in the songs (frantic riffage, keyboard atmospherics, furious drumming, layered vocals) that the album can become somewhat overwhelming - however, judiciously placed tempo changes and breaks in the momentum manage to alleviate this somewhat. Another criticism I have is that despite the skilled playing and pristine production, it doesn't really offer anything all that original. However, as I said in my earlier Abysmal Dawn review - it may be 'just a death metal album, but it's a fucking good one. It may not be quite as good as From Ashes, but it's a worthy release nonetheless.
6.5/10
Torchbearer's Official Website
Regain Records' Official Website
Regain Records - RR106 - 2006
By Philip Whitehouse
Warnaments, a keyboard-infused melodic death metal concept album dealing with a WWII naval battle off the shores of Britain, is the second album by Torchbearer, a Swedish supergroup of sorts comprising of members of Scar Symmetry, Satariel and Unmoored. It combines an impressively thick yet detailed production with a varied songwriting approach that creates a an immersively dramatic, intricately melodic yet still powerfully heavy atmosphere, making this a very interesting album.
Considering the talent of the individuals involved, it's perhaps little surprise that Warnaments is packed full of hellishly impressive instrumental performances - the little melodic bridges in 'Burial Waters, Deepsome Graves' combine with the soaring synths and the alternately screaming/roaring vocals to great affect, for instance. What is more surprising, and very impressive, is how well everything gels together in the overall service of the song. I read in an interview that the previous Torchbearer album was composed as a group effort, while this time round, all songwriting was handled by one member. That would explain the unified focus of the performances, and the consistency of the material.
One issue with Warnaments is something that I brought up in my earlier Mirrorthrone review - at times, there is so much going on in the songs (frantic riffage, keyboard atmospherics, furious drumming, layered vocals) that the album can become somewhat overwhelming - however, judiciously placed tempo changes and breaks in the momentum manage to alleviate this somewhat. Another criticism I have is that despite the skilled playing and pristine production, it doesn't really offer anything all that original. However, as I said in my earlier Abysmal Dawn review - it may be 'just a death metal album, but it's a fucking good one. It may not be quite as good as From Ashes, but it's a worthy release nonetheless.
6.5/10
Torchbearer's Official Website
Regain Records' Official Website
