Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 14/02/2020
Label: Aqualamb |
Lay Bare Recordings
“1692” CD//DD//LP track listing:
1) Introduction
(Arise)
2) 1692
3) Gods of No Faith
4) Monsters
5) Darker Than Black
6) Dead Inside
7) Burn
8) Godless
9) If You Stay
2) 1692
3) Gods of No Faith
4) Monsters
5) Darker Than Black
6) Dead Inside
7) Burn
8) Godless
9) If You Stay
10.) Stab
The Review:
Frayle, from Cleveland , Ohio 1692.” A two piece band, formed in 2017,
they have released some singles and extended plays, but their first full length
album is stellar. Even though we’re still in the beginning of the year, I’m
predicting this album has the longevity to remain important throughout the
entirety of 2020.
Frayle combines thick sludgy
doom metal riffs with melodic vocals, which on paper might not necessarily seem
to mesh well. However, they manage to compliment each other perfectly and make
for a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience. While this combination of
elements is not altogether unique, I have trouble coming up with other bands
with whom to compare Frayle in terms of
their style and sound.
This album has
everything a doom metal enthusiast would want including excellent musicianship.
If you are looking for insightful melodic lyrics, thick and unforgiving riffs,
complex yet simple arrangements, this album has all of the above and more. They
have managed to incorporate everything one might want in a doom metal record. They
have found the proverbial sweet spot between the harshness of the instruments
and the soothing melody of the vocals.
While the
entire album is good, highlights for me included the tracks “Gods of No Faith”, “If You Stay”, and “Stab”. Fans of doom riffs and operatic vocals will be
rewarded. I’m looking forward to hearing
more from Frayle in the future.
