Ashen Horde - Tintregen

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ASHEN HORDE is a Hollywood based Black Metal band who have released three full lengths and six EP’s.  Despite having released one of those full lengths, “Fallen Cathedrals,” this year, the band is ready for another round with “Tintregen.” This is my first time hearing the band’s music, but I am definitely intrigued and will for sure being exploring their other offerings.  I can’t speak for their previous music, but this release definitely has some Prog in it but also plenty of Blackened rage.

The opening track, “Roar Of The Wyrm,” begins life firmly planted into the Black Metal side.  Higher pitched screams, often times layered with lower growls, present a powerful showing for vocalist Stevie Boiser.  Soon the riffs come out of their initial speedy attack and open up to show off that Prog approach I was talking about earlier.  This track approach Black Metal with an eye on musicianship but it is plenty raw enough to satisfy most true Black Metal fans.

“The Entity,” is brought to life with Trevor’s guitars that change from Blackened riffs, crunchy sonic attacks, and quick usage of lead.  The effect achieved is a bit of dissonant Blackened Prog and it works extremely well.  The vocals here are deeper than the first track but they combine effectively with the music, creating a world where underground tendencies meet with more thought-provoking musicianship.

“The Torture Cycle,” is more harrowing, and crazy than the previous two tracks but that is to be expected with a song title like that.  The music also changes up a lot more this time around—style and temp shifts show the band continues to experiment and expand upon their sound as the EP gets closer to ending.  There is a lot going on in this track and that is one of the reasons why I say it is probably my favorite of the four.  If this is their blueprint for building a better Black Metal band, I can definitely get behind it.

“Mourning Due,” is the final track of the twenty-minute EP and a good choice for the closer. It contains a lot of vocal variety, in addition to some clean vocals.  Clever use of lead guitar in the track’s mid-section further expands their sound but the track’s ending is one of the heavier moments on the album. All in all, this is a great EP and it made me an instant fan of the band.  I can’t wait to delve into their past—and I’m definitely looking forward to what they bring in the future.

Songwriting:8
Musicianship: 8
Memorability: 8
Production: 8