Scorched Earth

4.88

PICKMETER

4.95

HMB

4.26

CRITICS

band:

Harakiri for the Sky

release date: Jan 16, 2025

label: AOP Records

type: Full-length

HMB´S REVIEW

Scorched Earth, the latest album from Austria's Harakiri For The Sky, isn't just a collection of songs. It's a deep dive into the complex landscape of human emotion. Released on January 24th, this album immediately grabs you with its intense blend of black metal and post-rock sensibilities, but it quickly becomes apparent that the band is exploring much more than genre boundaries. They've taken their sound to new places here, weaving in threads of post-hardcore influence. Clocking in at nearly 70 minutes, Scorched Earth is a commitment, a journey that asks you to give yourself over to its ebbs and flows.

From the first note, you're immersed in a world of melancholy and reflection. The album isn't afraid to be heavy, with themes of despair and hopelessness permeating every track. Yet, amidst this darkness, there's a strange beauty, like a haunting melody that echoes through a desolate landscape. It's clear the lyrics are drawn from a place of genuine feeling, making the experience intensely real and relatable. It's as if the band is taking their personal struggles and transforming them into something that can connect with anyone who has felt the weight of the world.

The songs themselves are masterfully crafted, with each one offering a unique exploration of sound and emotion. Heal Me serves as a powerful introduction, featuring the distinctive vocals of Tim Yatras from Austere. Keep Me Longing takes the listener through a series of dynamic shifts, transitioning seamlessly from quiet piano melodies to fast, intense instrumentation. Meanwhile, Too Late For Goodbyes showcases an ethereal dimension with guest vocalist Serena Cherry of Svalbard complementing J.J.'s range, which moves from pained screams to softer, clean vocals.

But it's not just about sadness; it’s about the courage to confront those difficult feelings and transform them. Scorched Earth feels like a creative response to the kind of heartbreak and disillusionment we all face at some point. This album doesn't just wallow in negativity; it uses those emotions as fuel to create something profound and meaningful. It mirrors the world we live in – a place often described as divided and filled with tension. It doesn't shy away from darkness, instead it invites you to bask in it and find something to learn from its shadows. And then there is the unexpected cover of Radiohead’s Street Spirit (Fade Out), that includes J.J.’s clean vocals and Patrick Ginglseder of Groza's growls. It's a bold move, and it just further proves how far they're willing to go to push their sound.

Overall, Scorched Earth is a remarkable album that will leave its mark. It's a journey that is at once cathartic and challenging, one that encourages you to sit with your most intense emotions and find something beautiful in them. It’s a record that stays with you long after the final note fades, proving that sometimes the greatest art comes from the deepest pain. It's a testament to Harakiri For The Sky’s ability to make music that doesn't just sound good. It makes you feel.

Review by Troadie - HMB´s Staff