By John Bedard
This time I have two albums for you, as they are both being released together. ‘A Scornful Death’ was originally recorded back in 2008 and I believe released as a free download back them. This will be its proper official release. On the other hand, ‘Our Treacherous Fathers’ is a new release for 2019. It is a rather interesting experience to hear their last album from 2008 before they disbanded right at the same time as their first album after reuniting. People and bands change a lot in 11 years. Hearing all that evolution from one album to the next without all the time in between is rather cool and makes it rather fun to listen to both like this.
I should probably start with what these albums have in common. Both are very dark. The style listed in the promotional information they sent me only says death metal, but I would say that there is an influence of melodic black metal in there too. There is a very dark gritty atmosphere through both albums. Driven home with heavy guitars, decently balanced and well-performed solos, and powerful vocal delivery. Everything drips with a passionate delivery. It is beautiful.
Now back to that evolution I was talking about. ‘A Scornful Death’ has a more consistently dark growled vocal style. It is heavier in many ways and had dark refinement to it. And the rest of the instruments follow that theme. ‘Our Treacherous Fathers’ takes a somewhat different style those elements are still there, but we see a shift toward a more screamed or shouted vocal instead of the growled from before. Also, the guitar tone is warmer and seems to have more mid-range dialled in than before. It is a clear progression from 2008 to 2019 and I think fits really well. I think if they had not taken the time off between there would be a missing link between the to bridging the gap in the change in style.
I love both albums. They are powerful and passionate and extremely well performed. The production value is top-notch. I don’t think you could be disappointed by either album. They are a must-have in your collection. Definitely pick these up. Although I did not know the band during their first run, welcome back Urkraft. I don’t think you could be making your comeback with a better two albums.
- ‘A Scornful Death’/’Our Treacherous Fathers’ are released tomorrow (Wednesday 18 September). You can get your copies HERE.
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