Fragarak are an Indian progressive death metal band and this is their second album.
We first met Fragarak on their 2013 album Crypts of Dissimulation. Well, we’ve been waiting a long time for a follow up release, and now it’s here, it’s quite the monster.
It seems that the band have been stockpiling material, as this latest album contains a colossal 84 minutes of music. This is impressive enough on its own, but what’s even more impressive is how good it is and how well it holds the listener’s attention throughout.
Melodic and mournful, the songs on this album merge the progressive, atmospheric leanings of bands like older Opeth, Agalloch, and Obscura, with a harsher, more aggressive death metal edge. This combined makes for a very compelling mix indeed. Throw in some other melodic influences, as well as a pinch of modern death metal, and you have an album that’s very successful at what it does.
The songs are intricate and involved. They frequently weave emotive passages together alongside melodic aggression, blackened darkness, and thoughtful passages.
Deep growls, abrasive screams, melancholy chants, and uplifting cleans are all used well across the album, providing a convincing and confident focal point for the band’s labyrinthine storytelling.
The production is solid and professional, doing the band’s ambitious material justice.
Although a lengthy release, its’a very enjoyable and satisfying one.
Highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 