Embedded Files
HERALDIC BLAZE “Monument Of Will”
HERALDIC BLAZE “Monument Of Will”
By Dr. Abner Mality
Ah, the allure and mystery of medieval times! Surely black metal wouldn’t be the same if there wasn’t such a yearning for the days of feudalism. Never mind the mud, stench and pestilence that was the lot of most people back then...it is the gaudiness of castles, knights and kings that attracts us.
HERALDIC BLAZE is 100% dedicated to that portion of the medieval world. A two man outfit, they deliver black metal reeking of kingly days and castles high. Although drenched in 2nd wave aesthetics, there is a ringing, shimmering tone to Peregrinus’ guitars that conjures up mental imagery of medievalism instead of snowy forests. We also have vocalist Argent Pale contributing flute to several tracks, which makes an odd contrast to his hideous “old witch” shrieks. Flute is an instrument not generally associated with blast beats but here they co-exist. The tunes of HERALDIC BLAZE don’t seem to have the eerie, dark aura of most black metal. Indeed, tracks like “Harken the Peals of May” and “Locustial Winds” have a manic, almost deliriously upbeat feel to them.
The HERALDIC BLAZE style works best in small doses. By the time this album rolls to its conclusion, I was getting weary of the jangly guitar tones, relentless blasts and Argent’s exaggerated rasps and screams. Methinks the troubadours overplay their hand on “Monument of Will” yet still there may be found moments of worth…
Report abuse