With their blend of mystery and elegance, Austrian Symphonic Metallers EDENBRIDGE have slowly been carving their place in this genre. They are due to release their latest album Set The Dark On Fire in a matter of days. They have gone in a heavier direction with their sound while remaining true to their style that has secured them many listeners over the years. Let me explain a little more about what that looks like.
The album opens dramatically with The Ghostship Diaries; it lures the listener into a world that EDENBRIDGE has created for us, and we all want to join this. Within this track, you can hear the heavier sound for the first time, and you can tell that they have stuck to their core sound. One of their previous tracks, The Canterville Ghost, comes to mind, mainly due to the incredible multi-layering in the chorus.
EDENBRIDGE was one of the first bands that introduced me to symphonic metal when I was sixteen years old. So listening to and delving into this record was like reconnecting with a vital part of my music journey, reminding me why I got into writing about music and letting people know which bands they ought to check out. Below are just a few examples of the beauties this album has to offer.
Our Place Among The Stars is one of the most mindful tracks I have had the pleasure of coming across. It slows things down with its immersive guitar riffs and sweeping rhythms that you can get lost in. This also provides a nostalgic trip to those hazy summer days. The best way to listen to this track is to relax, take a deep breath, and soak up everything this track has to offer. It deserves your undivided attention.
Bonded By The Light is the ballad of the album, and it is stunning. This one particularly showcases Sabine Edelsbacher’s vocal range beautifully; imagine the power of Bette Midler and the mystery of Kate Bush combined together; this will give you a rough idea of what that sounds like.
At first, Lighthouse reminded me strongly of MYRATH. This was due to the mystery, elegance and heaviness it offered up. It’s also full of delight, wonder and majesty, the type to take you to a far off land and allow you to escape for those few moments. The shimmering guitar solo and powerful vocal ensemble were the cherries on top of this majestic track.
Symphonic and Power Metal fans will rejoice at the four part closer Spark Of The Everflame. Each part is different to each other yet they all form together incredibly well. Let Time Begin brings the dramatic flair that reminds me of QUEEN’s Death On Two Legs. The opening riff in The Winding Road To Evermore brings SLIPKNOT classic Before I Forget strongly to mind, adding the symphonic elements amplifies that energy even further. Per Aspera Ad Astra gives us hope with a sinister twist, keeping us on our toes. Where It Ends, Where It Starts is a grand conclusion that brings it all together.
Set The Dark On Fire is a remarkable album that will take you on an incredible journey. It also shows that EDENBRIDGE are a band to be checking out and keeping your ears out for. It provides that morale boost for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Lotty Whittingham
Set The Dark On Fire will be unleashed this Friday via Steamhammer/SPV.
Find EDENBRIDGE here.
