Damn, I love it when a good plan comes together (I'm a huge The A-Team fan, if you didn't know). Back when I premiered Oak, Ash & Thorn's EP last year, I knew there was a lot of promise in the band. And, sure enough, they're now planning to release Our Grief is Thus later this year and it slaps all sorts of ways. One of those ways is in the sweeping power metal riffs and energy that have been magnified on the release, as you can hear for yourself below with "Light My Pyre" which we're proud to be premiering here today! Head on down below for your daily recommended dosage of killer riffs, high-octane solos, and powerful vocals!
I mean, what's not to like? The formula of melodic death metal mixed with power metal is a tried and true recipe for great metal, even if it has been a while since its heyday. Here, Oak, Ash & Thorn resoundingly prove that it has a lot still to give, as the dynamic, higher pitch growls blend perfectly with muscular backing vocals (think Barren Earth, Borknagar or Thrawsunblat), galloping riffs, and an overall tempo that screams love and passion for heavy metal. I also absolutely love the drumming on this, overseen by one Cierra White (Harboured). The drums are present in the mix but not too dominant, creating the rumbling strata on which the rest of the track relies. It dictates tempo but is also interesting in its own right, occupying the perfect position in both production and composition.
Plus, the rest of the album goes as hard, never backing down and continuously doubling down on the band's mission: creating fast, engaging and heavy metal. Make sure to pre-order it via their Bandcamp before it drops April 19th.