Hi there, hello.
Welcome to this review newsletter where I use you as a sounding board for my feelings on music releases. Today we’re looking at Disease by Blue Fire Horizon.
In February of this year, I did not know Blue Fire Horizon. Around that time,
recommended a number of bands to me and they happened to be on the list. All he said regarding this band was, “…listen to Graveyard of Hope, pay attention to the whole song, especially the end”. To its credit, that song made me listen to the album, Disease, in its entirety.After listening to this record a number of times, I affirm that their harsh vocals are insanely good. There are shrieks, growls, and mid-level screams that will be right at home with some of the best work out there. The production also gives the vocals an opportunity to shine; for example, on the song, “Prosperity”, the diverse vocal applications are on full display. Also, the clean vocals, though not as pronounced as the harsh vocals, are well done.
Even though the production isn’t as crisp as other records I’ve listened to, it has an organic feel that suits the album. It’s easy to imagine how the band will sound live and the manner in which most of the tracks would be translated on stage at a concert or a festival. I also love how audible the bass guitar is, considering there has been a recent trend of drowning out the bass in many modern metalcore songs that simply doesn’t work for me.
Lyrically, the band is astute and direct about their message. I love a little poetry in my metal from time to time but there is something refreshing about the directness of a song like “Condemnation” which is essentially a prayer with these words,
Purify me, sanctify me by the Ghost
Rectify me interceding Righteous Son
Help me, Father, though I wander
Thy will be done.
“Crowns” is also very reverent in its approach with the words,
Holy, holy, holy Is the Lord almighty
Who was and is and is to come…
Then, there is the song that started this journey for me called “Graveyard of Hope”. It is such a standout, that it sometimes feels like it doesn’t belong on the tracklist. This song has a haunting ambiance when compared to others on the record and is also one of two tracks that is devoid of any clean singing.
Its defining quality is in its sheer brutality. When I tell you this song is heavy, I mean it in every sense of the word and when the breakdown drops, it will leave you quaking in your boots. The closing breakdown is a thing of beauty and any attempt to explain it robs it of its essence. It is to be experienced and I would encourage fans of metalcore to pay attention to this tune.
Unfortunately, my two downsides for this album are related to the composition and songwriting choices. I feel like the songwriting needed more diversity, particularly in tempo. Many of the songs sounded similar and even the ones that didn’t — excluding “Graveyard of Hope” — were not distinct enough. It also seemed like the instrumentation was a bit incoherent and perhaps a little sloppy in some areas, but that is something experience and consistency with their craft will iron out.
Taking my grumpy hat off, this album was a decent listen. This band has the potential for great things with their memorable choruses and quality harsh vocals. Once they get better at their instrumentation, I am sure Blue Fire Horizon will become one of the most talked about bands in the Christian Metal Scene.
Genre(s): Metalcore
RATING
: 3.5/5
Listen Here:
Apple Music • Deezer • YouTube Music • Other Links
Connect with Blue Fire Horizon:
Instagram • Facebook
That’s it from me.
Bye for now.
Talk to us about your favourite songs on the album. Also, let me know of any other albums or EPs you’d like us to review.
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