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
Sojourner
Title
Empires of Ash
Type
LP/EP
Company
Independent
YOR
2017
Style
Black
4/18/2017 - Review by: Greg Watson
Black metal that could provide the soundtrack for a new LOTR movie
Sojourner is a band that sticks out in the atmospheric black metal genre for several reasons. First is the fact that they churn out some really impressive ABM that is infused with folk and new age elements that all form a very cohesive, massive sound that sucks you in and keeps you rapt throughout the course of 'Empires of Ash'. Second are the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Chloe Bray, whose voice is reminiscent of Enya and who adds a whole different layer to the album itself. Lastly, the production on 'Empires of Ash' is something that really helps this album stand out from the others.

While most albums in this genre tend to have pretty well polished production, what makes this one stand out is the way that it takes elements like the odd instrument choices, the two distinct vocal styles, and the sound as whole and really blends them together in a very grandiose yet organic soundscape that is meant to whisk you off to lands undiscovered. The aformentioned Bray who also handles guitar and tin whistle, Mike Lamb who handles drums/guitars/piano/synth, bassist Mike Wilson and third vocalist Emilio Crespo comprise Sojourner. Their vision, desire, and passion clearly come through your speakers on each and every track.

I won't pretend to know when Lamb or Crespo are handling vocal duties but the black metal vocals are classic, spiteful and all that you hope for when you get a BM release. The subtle hints of piano and tin whistle mesh really well with the harsh guitars, blasting drums and thundering bass and create this atmosphere of joy and dread that interplay off one another throughout. Even when the black metal elements are going full tilt and you have the more worldly music used as a minor layer, you really feel as though you are venturing through The Shire or are staring down the gate of Mordor. The cinematic quality of the more refined musical parts lend this an incredibly epic feel and give 'Empires' a great balance that this genre uses to great effect.

I have come back to this album several times after listening to it on a single run through and this one will be in my rotation for months to come. People might be put off by the length of the album, which clocks in just under an hour with the seven tracks, or by the fact that it isn't traditional black metal. Listen to it, go in with an open mind and tell me you aren't moved in some small way after journeying through the 'Empires of Ash' because I know I felt and continue to feel something every time I play this album.
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    5 :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: SOJOURNER
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Empires of Ash
2017
Independent
Greg Watson4/18/2017
5
The Shadowed Road
2018
Avantgarde Music
Greg Watson6/3/2018
3.5

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: SOJOURNER
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


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