Vale of Pnath - Between the Worlds of Life and Death

Vale of Pnath is a death metal band from Denver, Colorado who formed in 2006. Their latest, “Between the Worlds of Life and Death,” is their third full-length album. They also released two EPs and a demo.

At this point, guitarist Vance is the only original member. But his songwriting prowess, riffs and, most importantly, his spirit remain great as ever.

This album is the first to feature Ken Sorceron on vocals, although he has been with them for some time now. I was fortunate to see him live with both Pnath and Abigail Williams….I'm happy that his performance on this album is nearly as powerful as it is on stage. He's just a hell of a vocalist with a lot of energy.  I believe he also plays bass here as well and he brings it hard that way too.

Gabe Seeber makes his Vale of Pnath debut here too and his insane but tightly robust drumming is one of the many highlights on this album.

For anyone unfamiliar with their sound, they are very much technical in a riff based way. However, the symphonic and blackened elements are definitely being incorporated more and more. That may or may not be due to the fact Vale of Pnath and Abigail Williams are basically the same band (not in sound but in members) but whatever the case, I'm on board for this more theatrical, darker but still technical direction.

The album opens with “The Forgotten Path,” an intro that offers over two minutes of orchestral/symphonic that is lush and epic enough to make the likes of Septicflesh or Fleshgod Apocalypse proud.

The instrumental flows into “Silent Prayers,” that begins with deep, rumbling growls. The drumming is massive but doesn't drown out the other instruments. The riffs flash with technical flair but they don't get in the way of the layers, especially when the song begins to fire on all cylinders. The mixing job is perfect; despite all that is going on, it doesn't sound muddled or messy.

The atmosphere and textures of “Uncertain Tomorrow” are filled with suspense and trepidation.  This uneasy feeling combined with the technical groove of the riffs and the deep growls pushes the song into harrowing territory. The halfway point is a highlight by the drums covering the breadth of a minimalistic approach before it goes into a blazing guitar solo. Soon as it ends, hell breaks loose. The band, and album, is truly in its element when it all comes together. 

“Beneath Ashen Skies,” is one of my favorites on the album. It has huge black metal vibes and a lot of little atmospheric nooks and crannies. Movements at the 38 second mark and 330 marks are nice details that help make the song have such a wide, in depth expanse. 

The later half of the song is highlighted by sweeping keys lighting up the drums before mind blowing riffs push the song into and ending of blackened chaos.

The album ends with “Burning Lights,” and the band, particularly The guitars, pull out all the stops and go for broke.  The songs take everything that makes the album grand and just makes it all the more so, a striking painting of majestic brutality.

Vale of Pnath have been away awhile but ,“Between the Worlds of Life and Death,” is a statement that the time gone only improved them and the wait was worth it…and they will only propel themselves further into the future.