Self describing themselves as ‘Epic Doom’,
FLAME, DEAR FLAME cite early
MANOWAR,
SOLTICE and “
Hammerheart” era
BATHORY among their influences. Hailing from Brunswick Germany, the group manages to even touch a bit on a Symphonic vibe predominately represented via
Maren Lemke’s stunning vocals.
“The Millennial Heartbeat” is a concept comprised of three parts that the ensemble indicates is ‘
the genesis of the ocean and the thanatography of the land; a testimony of the forces of nature and its frailty alike.’ I admit, I had to look up thanatography in the dictionary, and I’m glad I did. The word refers to a treatise on death, and places the context of these songs in a much clearer view.
“The Millennial Heartbeat” as a complete piece clocks in at 21 ½ minutes, with each of its three tracks averaging 7 minutes each, and ultimately, it represents a triumphic debut. I’m not usually a fan of symphonic styled metal and it’s overindulgent grandstanding. This is different. There is more than enough tuned down riffage and fuzz present here that I wasn’t able to simply write this off. Indeed, much like the bands description, they’ve done an outstanding job blending “
the forces of nature and its frailty alike”.
The first two parts present the frailty, with
Lemke’s vocals capturing a somber and solemn quality that provides a misleading melancholy. A calm before the storm if you will. Throughout these two parts, one can feel a building oppressiveness, much like a coastal storm The band uses occasional silence just as effectively as a riff to set the mood here and not once does the progress bog down. These two parts feel like defiance underestimating the inevitable. Indeed, the third part roars in like a gale force wind with initial riffs rendering everything previously established asunder.
Lemke’s vocals here take on a more urgent approach, while the music swirls and conjures a darker occult feel. The storm seems to pass just as quickly as it began as the song slowly fades to its conclusion.
“Millennial Heartbeat” is a fascinating debut for
FLAME, DEAR FLAME. It managed to leave me craving more, and surprised me far more with its creative blending of symphonic and doom than I would have ever thought. I’m adding these guys to my ever growing list of bands to watch. There’s a tremendous amount of potential brewing here, and it’s going to be exciting to see it unleash.
Songwriting: 8
Originality: 9
Memorability: 9
Production: 9