By: Thomas Gonzales
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 21/02/2020
Label: Lifeforce Records
“Threnos” CD//DD//LP track
listing:
1). The Song of Sirens
2). Ouranio Deos
3). Cosmic Silence
4). Erynies
5). Misos
6). Threnos
7). Odysseia
The Review:
Self-proclaimed "Pure Depressive Metal"
pioneers On Thorns I Lay return once again,
following up 2018's "Aegean Sorrow" with their latest
album, "Threnos".
Their ninth studio release features a familiar blend of flourishing string
instrumentals, coral vocals, and piano interludes. On Thorns I Lay continues their journey of experimentation and
introspection, refining techniques they've evolved since their inception in
1992.
Like many of the band's peers who influenced their style, On Thorns I Lay have undergone stylist
changes, diversifying the original sound found on their debut album "Sound
of Beautiful Experience" in 1995. Following a similar pattern of
growth, On Thorns I Lay evolved with the genre;
transitioning through extreme metal subgenres like Death/Doom, Melodic Death
Metal, and even Blackened Doom Metal, bringing it all forward into their latest
projects.
While Veterans of the industry, many listeners are only now discovering this
band, and it's due in part to the sheer quality of their last few releases;
"Threnos" is no exception. Reminiscent of the Peaceville Three, there is a diverse
canvas of sound present in their music, adding a Hard Rock Goth approach to
their brand of Metal, while sowing a thread of melodic sensibilities throughout
each track. More importantly, their musicianship continues to improve, offering
not only a high-quality production, but intuitive composition as well.
Riffage on the song "Misos" brings the hard rock element into
the spotlight with catchy rhythms and hooks; a refreshing nuance in what is
generally a very droning genre. Title track "Thenos" on the
other hand, portrays a more Death Metal sensibility, focusing on throaty growls
and pounding rhythm sections, that give way to the melodic nature seen
throughout other songs on the album. Even though it starts off strong, it's the
latter part of the release that really shines. Each track is tailored to create
a sensation of grandeur, sweeping the listener away in the turbulent roil,
before it crashes into the finale of weeping guitar solos, and acoustic
interludes of "Oddysseia".
“Threnos” is available HERE
