As regular readers will know, every December Ave Noctum’s contributors share their Top 20 albums of that year. So where are we in this year right now? First week in January as I write this and I’m confident that I’m hearing a definite inclusion in my 2023 Top 20 already. To be fair, Beyond The Black have been regular visitors to my annual Top 20 with previous releases, so if their ascending musical trajectory was to continue the way it has over their previous 4 albums then it was already a safe bet, but after two damn fine albums on Airforce1, then two more for Napalm that were even better, this self-titled fifth full-length marks another upward step for this impressive Symphonic Metal band.
Rather than comparing bands to Beyond The Black, they tend to be one of the bands I measure others against, such is the quality of their musical output, launching them into being one of the leaders in their genre in a relatively short time (their debut being delivered in 2015). For any of the unluckily uninitiated out there, if you like Ad Infinitum, Within Temptation and Delain, then it’s probably a good idea to make time for Beyond The Black. They don’t particularly sound like any one of those bands in particular of course, but Beyond The Black have elements in spades that will also appeal. What Beyond The Black do have is a fabulous ear for melody, power, drama and intensity…with strikingly memorable choruses and hooks.
The step up the band have made this time around is as subtle as it has been with each consecutive release, almost imperceptible until you put an earlier album on and hear the advanced maturity and delivery they have nowadays – not to mention the fabulous production this album has. But there is also a growing confidence about this band who, with a mostly stable line up in place since 2016, are totally happy in their own skin. Once their key arrangement is in place and the trademark vocal hook is firmly lurking, there’s enough room given for little touches of experimentation. Take the recurring sample in opener, ‘Is There Anybody Out There?’ for instance. I genuinely don’t know what it’s actually a sample of – somewhere between one of those honky, squeaky horns you get on vintage cars, crossed with a surprised discontented goose (though anyone who’s got too close will know that most geese are discontented in some way…) – but it totally works and just adds a little extra sparkle to a track which would have still been great without it, but gives it just a little more identity.
However, I do keep coming back to the band’s ability and skill in writing memorable songs. Take ‘Reincarnation’ and ‘Dancing In The Dark’ for example, both in possession of neat little guitar hooks that instantly peak your interest, the verses and rhythms to each are infectious enough, but then they slam you with what are two of the mentally stickiest choruses the band have ever done. It’s hard to pick out highlights however in an album that even has a ballad (‘Wide Awake’) that belies the term and holds the listeners attention just as easily as it’s heavier counterparts. With expert musicianship throughout (including some excellent lead guitar work) and Jennifer Haben’s vocals managing to take yet another step up, this is an album that certainly sets a benchmark for any other Symphonic Metal band putting out material this year.
(9/10 Andy Barker)
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