« Embers », EP
Self-Released/Independent
2014
There is Beauty in Fire
Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, one-man musical endeavor, TRAIL OF ASH is the brainchild of one, “Bobby Destroy Her”. Having guitar duties in DEVOUR THE UNDEAD he has since taken a self-reflective pause to focus on deep seeding emotion in this three song ep, “Embers”. The result is a very eclectic and often disheartening array of anguished Doom and experimental Metal.
First number, “Embers” takes a while to “get going” in its ambient intro before “jumping right into the fire”. Blasting and wildly cascading into a slow dirge, the song features Damon from OVERLORD and remembers old NOVEMBER’S DOOM with tortured clean singing intertwined with a ferocious growl. Quiet moments are included which include a soft whisper and jarring shots of distortion which are heard on other songs as well. “Heroes”, features a slightly more up tempo pace but is no less imposing and melancholic. Here, sharing the spotlight with guest guitarist, Exikye Cote (also from OVERLORD), the sparse moments leave room for TOOL comparisons with a reflective, pensive aura about loss and regret. Finally, “Trials” begins with a guitar intro that sounds out of tune before being bulldozed by thick distortion and crushing drums. Disjointed, uncomfortable and yet ultimately satisfying, the song offers something fresh and unexpected. Back once again are the monstrous growls and clean whispers, although this time with a vocal effect added.
Bobby Destroy Her has recorded what many may consider uneasy listening and it may require added moments spent in the dark processing TRAIL OF ASH’s “Embers”. However, what sets this EP apart from so many are the chances and liberties taken disregarding convention and throwing the “rule book” completely out the window! Not masterfully recorded, (the guitars sound a bit too high in the mix compared to the drums, especially on “Embers”) although with this style, the focus usually is on feeling not on how many notes are played a second. To hear more from TRAIL OF ASH, fans will have to wait until April of next year for that one!
Standout Tracks: “Trial”
8.5/10
Chris
