Onheil are a black/death metal band from the Netherlands and this is their third album.
Now, here’s an album I’ve very much been looking forward to. I thoroughly enjoyed 2014’s Storm Is Coming, even more so over time, and was immensely happy to see that a follow up is finally here. Back now with some lineup changes, and playing an infectious form of melodic black/death metal, with an influence from thrash and heavy metal, In Black Ashes finds Onheil revitalised, and ready to conquer.
Thrash-tinged riffs fly out like nobody’s business, and the blast beats I enjoyed so much on their previous work are just as satisfying, (despite coming from a different drummer). Sometimes fast and furious, but certainly not exclusively so, In Black Ashes is a well-rounded slab of hook-fuelled extreme metal that’s very enjoyable. The band’s songwriting has developed and progressed, and these new tracks expertly balance a catchy and memorable approach with a rewarding atmospheric and melodic depth.
Despite the multiple musical influences that have gone into In Black Ashes, the emphasis is ultimately on crafting a good song, and in this Onheil succeed very adeptly. Since Storm Is Coming the band’s songs have generally increased slightly in length on this new record, but they pack a lot more content into them this time around, more than justifying the increased durations. This includes some fiery guitar solos and a wider range of textures overall, making for a much more well-developed musical experience.
Onheil have three guitarists, which enables them to deliver a more nuanced and multifaceted assault than that of many of their peers. Although deceptively simple and straightforward in places, there are layers here that add depth to the compositions. The band also boast two vocalists, which adds to their music too.
In Black Ashes is an album of killer metal tunes, and is quite simply a very, very good record. Onheil have not disappointed with their return, and this is an album to revisit again and again, each time discovering something new. Onheil have returned 9 years after their last album and are bigger, better, bolder, and brighter than they were before.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 