This is the second album from Finnish melodic death metallers Horizon Ignited.
Featuring the singer of I Am the Night, Horizon Ignited play a mix of melodic death metal and metalcore, delivering 39 minutes of quality entertainment on Towards the Dying Lands.
The songs are keyboard-enhanced and ripe with melancholic melody. Deep growls and sharp screams are twinned with well-performed clean vocals that provide some sterling choruses. Catchy melodic hooks are the order of business here, and business is good.
The music is well-written by musicians that clearly understand their material. Each track is honed to a fine killing point, with the melodic chops, vocal hooks, and heavy riffs all crafted to grab the listener’s attention and hold it. Horizon Ignited know their way around their instruments, and the guitars in particular are a bit more substantial and riff-friendly than some acts with the melodic death metal tag. The band can be quite heavy when they want to be.
This is an infectious collection of tracks with a punchy, powerful sound that should have fans of Dark Tranquillity, Soilwork, Killswitch Engage, In Flames, and Amorphis quite interested. Horizon Ignited have got what it takes to do very well in this arena, and more power to them. Towards the Dying Lands is professional, accomplished, and enjoyable.
A very highly recommended listen for fans of the style.
Wonderbox Metal 