BLAZE OF SORROW - Echi

Blaze of Sorrow is one of the most underrated metal bands I have ever encountered. The Italians’ music is a very good combination of atmospheric black metal and folk. In 2013, Blaze of Sorrow is the work of two people: the vocalist, multiple instrument player and band leader Peter and drummer N. I know that many of you might say: “If they’re so good, how come I’ve never heard of them until now?” All I can say is that there’s a beginning for anything.

Echi is the band’s third full album. A material of special atmosphere, a record that could have only been released by an Italian band. Why do I say this? If you heard Evol - The Saga of the Horned King (1995) you’ll understand what I mean. No, Blaze of Sorrow is not a band from the same page as Evol, I was only referring to the atmosphere that the two bands created. Echi is a journey, a little over 52 minutes, to a fascinating land masterly portrayed by Blaze of Sorrow. I like how the band does not insist to deliver its lyrics in English and keeps its native Italian as a vessel of communication. There is no point to protest that you don’t understand the language, there’s absolutely no problem. For instance many Norwegian bands have come up with excellent releases in their mother tongue, and here I could mention  Burzum - Hvis lyset tar oss (1994) or Kvelertak -Meir (2013), not to mention bands like Master's Hammer from the Czech republic, our fellow Romanians Negura Bunget and many more. Anyway, this is a whole different story. 

Let’s go back to Blaze of Sorrow and their Echi. I am pleased that there is a record company in Romania that stubbornly insists to release such productions. I am happy that Sun & Moon Records include in their portfolio a band like Blaze of Sorrow and that this band could be the winning ticket to make more fans of the genre to pay attention to other productions presented by Sun & Moon Records. 

Blaze of Sorrow does not offer only an incredible dose of atmospheric folk/black metal. In addition to this combination, the band sprinkles the record with progressive rock influences that are reminiscent of Opeth. Songs like All'Ignoto, Empatia, In Memoria and especially Il Soffio Del Sole show that one can still sound original in 2013. These songs and others on the record prove that extreme music still has a future, it only needs the proper attention from everyone interested. I will end by saying that Blaze of Sorrow is a band to follow, and if you don’t believe me, Echi stands proof.

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