On June 7th, Brazen Tongue thrust themselves into the arena of pure death metal with their debut album, “Of Crackling Embers & Sorrows Drowned“, which is a monumental all-around record with an array of influences just like their geographics with members from Chicago and Gothenburg, Sweden.

Engineered by and mixed by Andy Nelson at Bricktop Studios in Chicago, with additional recording by Greg Livas and mastering by Brad Boatright. Every track has its own place in a collaboration of different pieces.

They have definitely progressed as a band since they formed through a long-distance collaboration that began in 2017 with a partnership between Scott Skopec and Ethan Gifford that actually dates back to 2004. Their journey from a blackened thrash band to this partnership showcases resilience and adaptability, navigating through life’s changes and geographic separation to create something truly unique, unlike any other. It is truly rooted in the foundations of every genre of metal.

I definitely hear influences from bands like Kreator, Deicide, King Diamond, Morbid Angel, Emperor, and Immortal Dissection. I can find a bit of everything in their repertoire. This 7-track record is a keeper for sure, lasting about 44 minutes. They strive to balance aggression with melody, embodying the essence of their diverse influences while forging their own distinct path. Exploring mortality, acceptance of past mistakes, and the struggle against the constant changes in life.

Kevin Paradis on drums is great throughout the entire record. My favorite is “Last Train From Myrdal,” which is a personal narrative on moving past a failed relationship, fixating on past memories, and finding strength to move on. Like I said, this opus is entirely unique in every way. Go out and purchase this, and you will not be disappointed one bit.

Of Crackling Embers & Sorrows Drowned Track List:

The Weight Of Self
Metaviral
Walking The Parapets
Last Train From Myrdal
The Recidivist
Beneath The Broken Trees
The Maddening Symmetries

BRAZEN TONGUE:

Scott Skopec – Guitars, Vocals, Synths; Chicago, IL, USA
Ethan Gifford – Guitars; Gothenburg, Sweden
Frank Lato (Session) – Bass; USA
Kevin Paradis (Session) – Drums; France

Album Art By: Chris Kiesling / Misanthropic-Art

Find more BRAZEN TONGUE online here.

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Stephen John Allen

Categories: Brazen Tongue, News, Reviews