Ovaj bend nam dolazi iz Glasgowa, Škotske. Moram priznati da dugo nismo imali neki škotski bend na stranicama ovog zinea. Bend postoji na sceni od 2017.godine, ali prvi single su izdali tek 2019.godine. Do sada su objavili tri singlea, a ovo im je prvi dugosvirajući opus, to jest debut opus. Ovdje imamo 8 pjesama u trajanju kojih 40 minuta. Muzika koju ovaj bend svira je melodični death metal, s puno energije, dobrog muzičarenja i što je najvažnije dobrog songwritinga. Ima dosta promjena ritma, od agresivnijih dionica prema više atmosferičnim dijelovima, samo da bi se opet vratilo na primordijalni žar i plamen death metala. Ovdje moram i pohvaliti odlično ispreplitanje vokala gitarista Scotta MacLeoda i basistice Carys Serries, od agresivnijeg growla do više shoutanja i clean vokala, svega se može naći na ovom albumu. Tekstovi se kreću u područjima keltske mitologije, škotske povijesti i fantasya i dobro su napisani, nema onih generičkih tema koje su još uvijek prisutne u puno bendova i pomalo dosadne. Album je dobar za sve poklonike melodičnog death metala i sigurno zvuči moćno uživo.
Moram priznati da nikada nisam čuo američki bend Autumns Eyes prije ovog albuma. Ali, ovaj bend je na sceni od 1999. i ovo je bendu deveti dugosvirajući album, prvi nakon sedam godina, zadnji je objavljen 2017. Ovo je ustvari one man operation, mastermind benda je individua imena Dan koji svira sve instrumente i hendla vokale. Na ovom albumu se nalazi 11 pjesama u trajanju preko sat vremena. Autumns Eyes je počeo kao melodični death metal u ranijim danima, a sada se koncentrirao više na neki melodični gothic/death metal. Tekstovi su dobri i govore o smrti, prolaznosti života, strahu, unutarnjim borbama i sličnim veselim temama. Mada, cijelim ovim albumom prevladavaju više gothic metal tonovi, podsjeća me na kombinaciju kasnijih Cemetary i kasnijih Sentenced. Vokali su uglavnom clean s miksom više gothic vokala i čistog melodičnog pjevanja, potkrade se tu i tamo još koji death metal growl, ali sve pjesme su uglavnom mračnije atmosfere i s naslovima kao što su Late To Live, Early To Die, pa Warmth Of The Woods ili Let The Fear Find You ne možeš pogriješiti. Ima tu mraka, ali ima i autoironije i sarkazma, što nije loše.
Tokyo riff lords Sable Hills have shared their electrifying new single ‘Odyssey’ just a few days after announcing their signing to Arising Empire. It is the title track of the band’s highly anticipated third album, due for release this April.
Known for their dynamic blend of intense riffs and melodic harmonies, Sable Hills continue to redefine the boundaries of metalcore, captivating fans across the globe. Odyssey promises to be a groundbreaking addition to their discography, showcasing their unique style and musical prowess. Fans are eagerly counting down the days to the full album release, anticipating a collection of tracks that will further cement Sable Hills‘ status as titans of their genre.
Guitarist Rict comments: “The new song ‘Odyssey’ is the beginning of our long journey. We have a new member and a new label. Finally we’re ready to go. The song is very melodic, and also heavy. Very metal, and also hardcore. We’ll release this song with 100% confidence. So excited to show our new sound to you.”
Sable Hills have captivated audiences with their electrifying headline tours, notably Chaos J.P. 2023, which featured the likes of Like Moths To Flames and Knosis, led by Ryo Kinoshita, former vocalist of Crystal Lake. This tour marked an important return to Japan for these acts after a long hiatus.
The band’s ascent to prominence was ignited by their debut album EMBERS (2019), which received widespread acclaim and positioned them at the pinnacle of Japan’s metal scene, allowing them to share the stage with renowned Japanese bands such as coldrain, Crystal Lake, and international heavyweights Fit For A King and After The Burial. Appearing at major festivals Bloodaxe Festival at Club Citta Kawasaki and True North Festival at Shin-Kiba Studio Coast further enhanced their reputation.
The release of their second album DUALITY marked another high point in their career. The album’s release tour, extending from Japan to Europe, included performances at Wacken Open Air in Germany and Brutal Assault in the Czech Republic. At Wacken2022, Sable Hills achieved an historic victory, winning the METAL BATTLE 2022, a first for a Japanese band.
In 2023, the band kept on striving forward, selling out their show at Spotify O-WEST and performing at major festivals including coldrain‘s BLARE FEST, KNOTFEST and at Wacken Open Air for the second consecutive year. Their very own FRONTLINE FESTIVAL at Kawasaki Club Citta was a resounding success, attracting close to 1000 attendees.
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 