Debut albums are funny things, often times I feel like no one cares about them. They can both help a band find their feet or instantly promote them to success. Overall they tend to exude that ‘I only like their early stuff’ mentality. Look to the big leagues and you will see Rocka Rolla by Priest, no one talks about that record! Yet on the flip side you have albums like Opus Eponymous by Ghost which captured so many people’s attention. I guess what I’m trying to say is that more often than not debuts tend to be left to the die-hard fans in later years, indeed I’m often weary of a strong debut (save for Iron Maiden that is).
Formed in 2018 Azath are an international band with members from the US and Canada. They bring forth a brand of Death Metal that takes influence from Steven Erikson’s fantasy universe, a unique subject matter. The band also features members from both Draghkar and Lord Gore to name but a few. Following their demo in 2018 the band went quiet and have now emerged in 2020 with Through A Warren Of Shadow their debut full length release through Pulverised Records. Yet will it soar or will it fall? Will it become another drip into the endless pools of Death Metal’s blood?
A sort of uncomfortable fuzz ridden dissonance opens the album via the introductory track Into The Charnel. I’m not normally a fan of this sort of pontification, but in this case there is a certain unease that intrigues me. Although the transition in Draconian Impalement is lacking, none the less this is where we get our first taste of Azath. The guitars and bass have a tone akin to Mortician, drowned in distortion. I’m a big fan of this, and the more melodic riffs break the sheer barbarity. Vocally it is much the same, ultra-guttural but not BDM in style, more cavernous OSDM with nigh on Blackened hints coming through via the instrumentation. Mortal Sword and up to the title track we see little variation from this ideology but that is not to defame Azath for it is a striking and purist Death Metal sound that is sure to resonate with fans of the old school and new alike.
Crossing the bridge of the album is the interlude Pale Light which is pretty much the same as Into The Charnel yet with added melody, I’m not so much of a fan as it feels like a bit of a waste of time. Thankfully Worm Of Autumn sees us get straight back into it with thundering drums, rumbling bass and guttural illegible vocals. Coming in quite literally like a storm is The Whirlwind, here we see a different side to Azath, a short and snappy banger that shows some diversity. Children Of The Dead Seed is a similar affair and is perhaps one of the better songs on the record with some truly memorable and crushing riffs. Although in a bid to have one last lengthier flare comes Shifting Forms, it’s not anything out of the ordinary but it would have served as befitting closure. Sadly instead we are given Dying Echoes, yet another interlude style track, which whilst good is quite simply a waste of time.
There is one word I would use to describe Azath, potential. Through A Warren Of Shadow is pretty strong in its instrumentation and songwriting. Equally it must be said that Azath certainly have their own sound. Yet there is just something lacking, as much as I enjoyed this record I wouldn’t rush out to buy it. Alas I’m glad to have heard it and become aware of this band for I see a good future ahead. This is a band that I can really see doing something inspirational. As debuts go however I’d say give it a go, I think this is the sort of album that is sure to strike a chord with many, but for me I shall simply wait in the shadows for something with a touch more impact.
(7/10 George Caley)
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