There are some albums and styles that take me a while to figure out. But heavy metal usually isn't one of them; most of the time, I instantly know whether I like a heavy metal release. I've written about this before but since making heavy metal these days is not about innovation, authenticity and passion are what makes or breaks a good heavy metal album and the absence or presence of those things is immediately palpable. This is why, I'll admit, I didn't give Cosmic Dawn much of a chance, at least to begin with. When I spun the first few tracks, the music was fine but it didn't really hit me and I found myself suspecting that I wouldn't especially remember this one.
But something kept bugging me. The passion was there so what exactly was happening? Maybe it was a me thing; I might not have been in the mood for this style of heavy metal at the time. Or maybe it was bad track placement and the first few songs weren't really a good indicator of the band's quality and I could sense that there was more there. Probably both. And a bunch of other things besides. Regardless, I found myself going back to Cosmic Dawn and giving Coffin Hunters another chance and boy, am I glad I did because otherwise I wouldn't have heard "Red Horizon".
Nestled criminally late on this release, this song makes me smile every time I listen to it. Maybe it's the opening/main riff that is pure Iron Maiden worship done extremely well (and I mean my favorite version of Maiden, the upbeat, bouncy version). Maybe it's the insane solos on the track or the sweeping vocals or the fact that there are blastbeats (!) or how everything comes together or the long run time. Whatever it is, "Red Horizon" is such a joy and has become one of my favorite tracks of the year. It is dripping with that passion and authenticity, the love of heavy metal that I look for in releases such as this.
Of course, it ended up "radiating" to the rest of the album and suddenly even those less appealing opening tracks clicked into place for me. It was probably me, right? Because "Skeleton Key" bangs, showcasing the deeper, yet still epic, style of vocals on Cosmic Dawn. And of course there's also the title track and "Blood Moon" right after "Red Horizon" and a lot more cool stuff besides. I really don't want you walking away from this review and assuming this album is a one trick pony. It's a love letter to heavy metal made as it should be: with a band's own ideas but also with a deep understanding of why heavy metal became one of the most popular musical genres of all time.
Might I suggest you listen to "Red Horizon" first and then restart the album? Maybe you'll find that enhances your experience like it did for me. Or maybe you're not in the same funk I was in and all you want is meaty riffs, sweeping vocals, and galloping bass right in your face. Press play then - you won't regret it.
Also holy fuck that cover art slaps.