Harakiri For The Sky - Scorched Earth

 Harakiri For The Sky is a black/post metal band from Austria, who formed in 2011. Their latest album, “Scorched Earth,” is their sixth full-length album. 

“Mære,” was a stunning achievement so how does this new one stand out? Simply put, “Scorched Earth,” is another edition of the bands flawless discography.

While they still wholeheartedly continue to embrace their black metal roots, the duo has somehow managed to make their music even more dynamic and emotionally arresting.

However, I find this album to quite possibly be their most accomplished and focused work yet with better use of their long song structures. As strong as their past works have been, I have always found they, at times, wander too much and have trouble deciding when to end the song. 

“Scorched Earth,” doesn't have this issue.  Though the songs remain long, there is a better sense of purpose and more focus on using the time to their advantage. The production is fantastic as well. It's dense and tight enough to keep their abrasive roots intact but expands when needed so the band can take their adventurous paths. 

J.J.’s desperate vocals always keep the music right on the edge of an emotional fallout.  Even when M.S.’ magic is weaving tapestries of clean tones, the vocals give the music a constant edge.  This contrast is the band’s special power as it it keeps the songs interesting between the heavier moments. This balance between light and dark elements is really a balance between dark and darker elements because even the more serene passages are still laced with a quiet turmoil.

The opening song, “Heal Me,” exemplifies everything this album is and is also a great overview of the band’s career as a whole.  With seconds, heavy riffs, melodic bass, and atmospheric tones swirl together.  J.J. cries out as the layered music dances around his performances, building up to a huge chorus.  M.S.’ music has never followed any particular structure so it’s also exciting to hear them suddenly take the road less traveled, a moment where it seems like it isn’t what the song should be doing but does it anyway—and succeeds.  Case in point, is around the 2:15 mark, when the song doubles down on its blackened roots and unleashes hell.

“Without You I’m Just A Sad Song,” uses deceptively simple tones in the opening minutes.  Paired with the bass, it’s a subtle moment that still rings true. As always, this little passage sets up another one, this time a big groove and melodic flourishes while J.J. screams his ass off.  The drums are breathtakingly full and powerful across the song— definitely the best drum performance yet for the band.  I thought M.S. handled the drums as well but  according to t heir metallum page it is Kermim Lechner.  Regardless, it’s an awesome performance. 

I daresay that some of this song’s parts may be a little poppy in places, especially in how bouncy the bass and guitar can be in the more introspective moments.  It works great and there's no need to worry because HFTS no doubt have many influences, many of which I’m sure are not metal.  The halfway point of this song is one of my favorite moments on the entire album: it’s epic yet tragic plus the rumbling double bass and bass guitar adds an insane amount of energy.  

The album stays consistent throughout with the late songs still being as engaging.  “With Autumn I’ll Surrender,” is one of the best songs the band has ever done.  I love, love, love how the drums work with the light tones to create a beautifully dark world that compliments the heavy parts, which are massive.  The last minute and a half is fantastic, the drums push the vocals to new levels while the guitars ebb and flow though heavy grooves. M.S. absolutely crushes the guitars! 

The last original song is “Too Late For Goodbyes,” and it’s another meloncholic banger.  This one has a fervent energy to it, a finality in the atmosphere that is depressing yet masterfully handled.  Serena Cherry provides clean vocals and they are really well done while fitting the song’s mood.  The song grows darker and heavier as it goes, after the halfway mark it becomes a wall of sound that is truly impressive.  

“Scorched Earth,” is yet another impressive album for Harakiri For The Sky, a band who has yet to fail to bring their visions to life.  If you like this band, “Scorched Earth,” will make you fall in love with them and if you’re not a fan, this one may just grab you.