Apologies for this one being a bit late, but worth the read (and a listen) nether the less.. Hutch checks out the new album by Brazen Tongue

Appearing from nowhere, Brazen Tongue is an international duo from Chicago and Gothenburg. According to the reliable Metal Archives, it’s Ethan Gifford (guitars) and Scott Skopec (guitars, vocals, keyboards) who are responsible for this debut release, with the addition of Kevin Paradis (Benighted, Ne Obliviscaris) on drums. His addition is a huge one, for the drumming on this release is one of many highlights that the listener will identify as they take the journey which starts with the pulverising The Weight of Self.  

It’s easy enough to tag this as technical death metal, but as you dive into Of Crackling Embers & Sorrows Drowned, you’ll discover a myriad of other genres that all leave their sound prints on the album. It would be crass of me to list bands that I can hear buried within this release; suffice that you work it out, for listening to this album is a must.  

The Weight of Self is a relatively straightforward bruiser, with Paradis propelling the song with expert precision. Snarling yet clear vocals rage about the duelling guitars that intertwine around each other. It’s a short track, under four-minutes, and gives way to the equally punishing Metaviral, another sub-four-minute track that again bristles with energy and dynamic direction. Occasional layers of keys break out of the maelstrom, pushing melody into the sheer intensity being generated.  

From here it’s time to up the complexity further, with another song that has been previously released. This is Walking the Parapets, which is relentless in its sheer ferocity, yet throws in that Gojira style harmony that adds to the overall delivery. The vocals are more restrained, less harsh for a time, but it soon gives way to an eruption of vocal savagery, whilst the intricacies of the guitar work unwinds and recoils. As if to contrast that, the epic Last Train from Myrdal begins in a melodramatic style, with a much more restrained approach, although you feel that it is likely to explode at any moment, such is the tension that flows through it. It does eventually increase in tempo, but although the rage is present, it’s much more restrained than might be expected, showing a rather unexpected yet impressive side to the outfit.  

There are more surprises to come as The Recidivist follows. Instant bursts of accelerated blast beats don’t sound too different, but the harmonies on the clean vocals, combined with further intricate patterns and dynamically driven parts make it another standout song. What’s interesting about Brazen Tongue is that my first listen really didn’t do that much for me. Yet, repeated plays have not only opened the album up, but made it a really enjoyable experience. It’s strong from start to finish, with the final duo showcasing everything that is excellent about this album. Beneath the Broken Trees switches from a routine death metal song into a haunting, semi-Gothic / Doom segment, before they conclude with the triumphant ten-minute song The Maddening Symmetries which is epic in any number of ways.  

Of Crackling Embers & Sorrows Drowned is an album that went from one of mild interest to an album that will surely rank among the best of 2024. It’s genuinely that good.

Brazen Tongue Of Crackling Embers and Sorrows Drowned was released on the 7th June.. go and check it out!