Wayfarer | facebook | bandcamp |
Released on November 24, 2014 via Prosthetic Records
Wayfarer is the band to watch for in 2015. After listening to Children of the Iron Age, I am excited and inspired. It is hard to pin-point what their sound truly is, because it’s a coordinated mixture of several different kinds of music, but it works. It works very well.
I have said many times in other reviews that if you combine too many types of sounds, music or genres, it can get messy, sloppy, and it’s hard to pull off. Wayfarer has figured out the algorithm to create a sound that comes together passionately with the virtuousness sound of black metal, post-metal, post-hardcore, and atmospheric metal. They even through in a few death/thrash vocals to the mix. It’s exceptionally wonderful.
Before I get into the album itself, I have to point out one thing: these guitars! They’re insanely good. Well thought out, timely, and professional in the sense that is carries the album. There is a complexity within their sound that really polishes each song thoroughly. I can’t remember the last time that I felt so excited about the emotion that an album brings out. But these guitar sounds go from black metal into post-hardcore-like rhythms that really shows their capability to write complete, competent songs.
Like any good, atmospheric, dark metal album, Children of the Iron Age has long songs ranging from 8 to 10 minutes, and an intro and interlude that changes it up a bit. Within the album you will find some pretty masterful acoustic guitars that lightens the mood. The last song ‘Skysong’ starts off with heartfelt acoustic guitar strumming, that leads you into a pretty dark and sludgy song. The vocals on ‘Skysong’ are some of the best of the album. Growls, howls, that take forefront of the pretty sharp, emotional guitar. The wispy guitars almost reminds me of ISIS or Red Sparowes at times. But towards the end of the song, there is an amazing crescendo that just rips into the atmosphere with giant screams and loud guitars. It’s heavy and very impactful.
All in all, this is a great album. I highly recommend checking it out. Children of the Iron Age is available via Prosthetic Records. Check out Wayfarer’s Bandcamp page, but remember to bookmark it as they are going to be a band to watch in 2015!
