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Released on June 24, 2016 via Napalm Records
I often get asked by people on the Internet, “What is your favorite band?” To tell you the truth, I can’t narrow my answer down to just one. I like to say my favorite band is whatever I’m currently listening to at the moment, because I am so thankful for all the new music I can discover nowadays. I will, however, tell them what albums I’m looking forward to the most. And after patiently waiting four years since Be’lakor‘s last album, the amazing Of Breath and Bone, I can finally recommend that everyone check out their new album Vessels on Napalm Records.
Formed in 2004 and hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Be’lakor is a melodic death metal band. The band consists of George Kosmas (vocals/guitar), Shaun Sykes (lead guitar), John Richardson (bass), Steve Merry (piano/keyboard) and the newest member, Elliot Samsom (drums)
Vessels is the band’s fourth album. When listening to previous Be’lakor releases, I’m always taken on a magical journey. All of their previous albums perfectly transition from soothing atmospheric components to rousing primal riffs, and Vessels continues that tradition.
Clocking in at two minutes, the opening track, ‘Luma’, offers a brief but mighty churning guitar-riffed punch and the power of George Kosmas’s deep guttural vocals. The thing I’ll remember the most about the track ‘An Ember’s Arc’ is the beautiful folk acoustic guitar arrangement mixed with Samsom’s masterfully controlled drum beat. Yes, there are parts where the heavy riffs take over, but it is the tranquil moments between the chaos that make this song so special.
‘Withering Strands’ is the best example of a great Be’lakor song. They take one memorable catchy guitar passage and build the rest of the song around it. One of the many highlights in this song occurs when Merry’s quiet piano is playing, but layered just underneath it is a slow chugging guitar riff and Richardson’s thunderous bass line. Then Samsom’s blast beats and Kosmas’ growling vocals overtake the slower tempo, until you hear a resurgence of a stripped down version of the catchy guitar passage to end this eleven minute journey.
‘Roots to Sever’ is absolutely incredible. It starts off with an intricate piano passage from Merry and then Sykes’ brilliant melodic guitar licks and Kosmas’ gravelly vocals drive the song forward. If you get a chance, please read the lyrics to this album. The lyrics flawlessly depict the beauty and danger of Mother Nature and the ultimate battle to stay alive. ‘Whelm’ is a great combination of Merry’s emotional piano passages and the aggression of Sykes’ and Kosmas’ guitar riffs. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many bands that can deliver as much skill and musicianship as Be’lakor.
‘Grasping Light’ is once again all about balance. It’s about knowing when on the track to deliver hard hitting death metal punches, and when to let you catch your breath with peaceful atmospheric acoustic guitar arrangements. ‘The Smoke of Many Fires’ continues the trend with having perfect balance. I loved the acoustic guitar strumming before it burst into a catchy heavy psychedelic riff that dug it’s way into my psyche, and has had me humming it since the first time I heard it.
Be’lakor has added another gem to their already impressive discography with Vessels. They have proven time after time that they are masters of the melodic death metal genre. Containing eight tracks and lasting nearly a hour, Vessels is an intense listening experience that will amaze your ears and your soul.
