Swedish death metal outfit Ablaze My Sorrow was formed in 1993 in Falkenberg. “Among Ashes and Monoliths” is their fifth full-length studio album and it clearly shows that the band isn’t only alive, but is also kicking! I dig the album so much and that happens, because the band sounds so fresh and tight, and the compositions are the outcome of pure inspiration. Expect something very rich and versatile, expect a top-notch melodic death metal effort, which will satisfy even the doubters. Apart from the beautiful song ideas and the state-of-the-art sound production, what I liked here is the variety of different elements like clean male vocals and female vocals, which add so much to the final result. That’s first class Swedish death metal, at the crossroads of death metal and classic heavy metal, of melodies and brutality. Much-experienced, well-rehearsed, Ablaze My Sorrow is delivering the goods with confidence and ease, showcasing its skills and craftsmanship in great songs like “My Sorrow”, “Grit”, “Her Cold Embrace” and “The Cavernous Deep”. It is evident that the Swedes have passion, real energy and conviction in what they are doing. Their way of composing and performing is incredible – “Among Ashes and Monoliths” works like a furious storm, which destroys everything on its way! You don’t listen to such good melodic death metal albums often. Therefore, now it’s chance for you to learn Ablaze My Sorrow by starting with this nice record.
♦ 8/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fHQFRXzT10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLv8zCpRzWc
