Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Ashbringer
Title
Yugen
Type
LP/EP
Company
Avantgarde Music
YOR
2016
Style
Black
12/28/2016 - Review by: Greg Watson
Another gem of a find for 2016
2016 has been a year full of incredible finds that were mostly just happy accidents. Ashbringer was a band I had stumbled across during my exploration of the myriad acts that populate Bandcamp's black metal and atmospheric black metal tags. "Yugen", the band's second album, was my first introduction to them. With "Yugen", Ashbringer takes the best of atmospheric black metal and intersperses moments of traditional black metal and moments of calm and serenity into each song. From start to finish, this album had me enthralled and firmly under its spell.

Opening track "Solace" starts out with this really beautiful introduction that gives way to a buzzing swarm of a black metal riff. Vocalist Nick Stanger delivers classic black metal vocals over this riff and the rest of the band really tie things together with a solid rhythmic effort. Then things slow down a little before a riff that is forever stuck in my head begins at the 6:54 mark. The melodic quality of this riff is haunting and captivating. The song returns to its swarming riff before wrapping up in a gentle fade out.

As the album continues on Stanger and second guitarist Robert Northrup's fretwork shines through brightly. Nathan Wallestad's bass, Ian Sutherland's percussion and Cormac Piper's key work makes every track a feast for the senses. The music on "Yugen" is some of the best that I've heard in 2016 and with tracks that average about 6 minutes plus in length, they do a wonderful job seamlessly blending everything together and really making each song feel like an auditory journey. Stanger's vocals as well as the vocals of guest singer Elizabeth Redding on the title track are expressive, depressive and perfectly crafted for each track. The production quality is fantastic, allowing each instrument to be heard in the final mix and with the vocals shining exactly how they should. The depth the band show with their songwriting, uniqueness and musicality are all qualities that will keep this band around for a long time.

"Yugen" is easily a contender for album of the year. In a year where there has been so much quality metal released, it stands on its own for its diversity and splendid execution. I was so enamored with this that I also purchased the band's previous album, "Vacant" and was just as impressed with it was I was "Yugen". Bandcamp is a rabbit hole site; you find yourself exploring every nook and cranny on there and then realize that you've lost hours. That exploration is most rewarding in instances such as this one. Having found this band is a huge highlight of the year for me and I anxiously await the next output from Ashbringer. So go visit their Bandcamp page, sample some of the offerings they have and prepare to get swept away by something truly incredible.
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    5 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: ASHBRINGER
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Yugen
2016
Avantgarde Music
Greg Watson12/28/2016
5

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: ASHBRINGER
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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