Transforming Chaos Into Beauty, One Track at a Time

Read Time:4 Minute, 50 Second

MUSIC REVIEW
Harakiri For The Sky – Scorched Earth

Genre: Black Metal, Metal
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 62m
Where To Watch: available January 24, 2025; pre-order your copy here: www.shop.aoprecords.de/gb/, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Walking into a genre you’ve barely explored is like stepping into a world you’ve never seen—everything feels unfamiliar, yet there’s an undeniable sense of intrigue. That’s how it felt to experience HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY’s latest album, SCORCHED EARTH. My knowledge of metal has been limited primarily to mainstream acts, but this album invited me into a world that’s equal parts unrelenting and deeply emotional.

SCORCHED EARTH establishes itself as an immersive and profoundly energetic experience. The opening track, "Heal Me," features guest vocalist Tim Yatras and layers of deep guitar riffs together with steady, commanding percussion, building a haunting atmosphere. Michael "JJ" V. Wahntraum’s raw and anguished vocal delivery doesn’t just set the mood; it propels the entirety of the album forward, immediately drawing you into the emotional depths.

SCORCHED EARTH’s ability to balance intensity with introspection, creating a tonal duality that feels almost theatrical. Tracks like "Keep Me Longing" serve as an extended centerpiece, evolving across its eleven-minute playtime with shifts that feel as deliberate and purposeful. The dynamic interplay between relentless rhythms and intricate melodic passages keeps the listener engaged, making it more like an epic journey than a single track. Similarly, "Without You I’m Just A Sad Song" transitions from a delicate piano intro to a sweeping arrangement that feels heart-wrenching and triumphant.

One of SCORCHED EARTH's strongest features is its core passion. The themes woven throughout—loss, despair, resilience—add a sense of gravitas that grounds the album. Each track feels like a chapter in a larger story, exploring the fractures of a hauntingly familiar world. Yet, within its darker tones are moments of catharsis and hope. Tracks like "I Was Just Another Promise You Couldn’t Keep" strike this balance, offering bursts of melodic beauty amidst the weight of heavier instrumentation.

The clarity of the mix amplifies the weight of each song, allowing the listener to appreciate the complexity of the arrangements. This is vitally important, especially in a genre with such deep and powerful vocals throughout. Even as someone new to the genre, I was impressed by the precision and attention to detail.

Collaborative efforts further elevate the album, providing variety. Serena Cherry’s contribution to "Too Late for Goodbyes" is particularly noteworthy. Her vocals contrast beautifully with J.J.’s intensity. The interplay between their styles adds a unique dynamic that feels compelling.

What surprised me most about SCORCHED EARTH was its willingness to push boundaries. Tracks like "With Autumn I’ll Surrender" incorporate piano and subtle electronic elements, demonstrating a commitment to innovation while maintaining the band’s core identity. These moments of experimentation felt like bold choices, adding layers to the album’s overall performance.

The music doesn’t overwhelm you with its intensity; it invites you to sit with it and feel the weight of its themes. Each track transitions into the next, creating a cohesive experience that feels intentional and immersive. By the time the final notes fade on this emotional odyssey, it will linger with you!

That said, the album’s heavier elements may not be for everyone. The vocals and relentless instrumentation demand a specific level of investment, particularly for those unfamiliar with the genre. For longtime fans, SCORCHED EARTH will undoubtedly feel like a natural evolution of HARAKIRI FOR THE SKY’s sound. But for newcomers like me, it serves as an open door into a world as intricate as it is expansive.

In a time when division and uncertainty seem to define our world, SCORCHED EARTH channels those raw emotions into a personal and universal experience. It’s an album that challenges, moves, and stays with you. If you’re ready to step into this world, it’s a journey worth taking.

Tracklist:
Heal Me
Keep Me Longing
Without You I’m Just a Sad Song
No Graves but the Sea
With Autumn I’ll Surrender
I Was Just Another Promise You Couldn’t Keep
Too Late for Goodbyes

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[photo courtesy of AOP RECORDS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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