Forged in Black are a UK heavy metal band and this is their third album.
I thoroughly enjoyed 2019’s Descent of the Serpent, so it’s good to have some new material from Forged in Black. Across 42 minutes the band once again unleash a torrent of quality heavy metal on the world in the shape of Lightning in the Ashes.
This new album is full of stirring metal anthems that tear out of the speakers in a cascade of memorable riffs, soaring vocals, and meaty hooks. Forged in Black know how to write a good tune. With tracks that are generally shorter on average than the songs on their previous album, Lightning in the Ashes is lean and focused; there’s no filler here, no pointless interlude tracks or waste of space nonsense, just pure, incorruptible metal.
The songs are rooted in the classic heavy metal style, yet Forged in Black’s various different influences enhance this; they have more tools in their toolbox than many of their peers. The band do well in this regard – Lightning in the Ashes is a heavy metal album that isn’t afraid to incorporate other metallic influences into itself. Elements of thrash, power, doom, and progressive metal can all be heard at various points, roughly in that order of importance. They all succeed in enriching the core of the material, which beats with a fiery molten heart and powers the music ever forward.
Forged in Black’s multi-ingredient style is very endearing and authentic. The band bleed honesty and passion, and their songwriting reflects this. It’s hard to dislike anything here when it’s as well-written and executed as it is. You can take pretty much any track on the record and know that you’re going to get a feast of quality heavy metal. Different songs use the band’s influences in different ways, but the end result is always the same, always a ripping metal tune that is more infectious than you might first think. Forged in Black have many obvious assets and instant appeal, but the true value of Lightning in the Ashes is revealed over time as you get to know it better and better.
The return of Forged in Black has not disappointed, not at all. Lightning in the Ashes is another top album from the band, one that’s extremely enjoyable and rewarding if you’re a fan of good, timeless, heavy metal. I’d like to think that this would be the record to propel Forged in Black into the limelight, but only time will tell. As far as I’m concerned, they certainly deserve the attention based on the strength of their music.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 