Byzantine - Harbingers

Byzantine are a metal band from West Virginia, who formed in 2000.  Their latest album “Harbingers,” is their seventh full-length album.  Over the years, they have also released four demos, a compilation, two EPs, and a split album.

I’ve been a fan since 2005’s “...and They Shall Take Up Serpents,” and have very impatiently waited on a new album since 2017’s “The Cicada Tree.” I really liked the album and it still contains my favorite song from the band, “Verses In Violence.” 

So how does “Harbingers,” measure up?  Worth the wait?  Fuck yes it’s worth the wait.  The band has dialed back the progressive elements from “The Cicada Tree,” in favor of a much more intense, heavy approach.   The best thing about this album is that it actually gets better near the end.  Even albums where every song is good still tend to be front loaded—this one starts off as a banger and turns into a roaring supernova by the end.  

I suppose the overall sound of “Harbingers,” could be described as “groove metal,” which is a term I hate because it basically means “basic bitch unimaginative redneck music.”  I’m Tennesseasen and know all about basic bitch rednecks so I tend to avoid the genre.  I know Byzantine are from West Virginia but their music is more engrossing and more smartly written than ilk like post-Sacrament era Lamb of God or DevilDriver.  

I could have sworn their vocalist Chris also played guitar but everything I’ve read about this album says he just does vocals.   But that’s enough because his vocals only get better with age and he is obviously the driving force behind the band.  On “Harbingers,” he sounds more confident, energetic, and rageful than ever before.  Fantastic performance. 

The band has gone through a lot of line up changes over the years but Chris always makes sure to have stellar musicians with him.  Original guitarist Tony returns to the fold and longtime guitarist Brian is still along for the ride.  Joining them are drummer Matt, returning from the previous album and bassist Ryan who was on their last EP. 

After the acoustic intro of “Consequentia,” prepare for what is quite possibly the most catchy metal album I’ve heard all year. The following song,  “A Place We Cannot Go,” is immediately gripping with its tight rhythms that are just melodic enough.  The drums keep the energy up as the song builds up to Chris’ stellar clean vocal performance, that is catchy in of itself.  He ramps up his energy as the band does the same—a double punch to the face before the song returns to its infectious lyrical stanzas.  

“The Clockmaker’s Intention,” begins with a dreary swagger, the lead guitar offering little bits of melancholy before the riffs hit.  The main opening riff is dense, heavy, and unstoppable.  The drums and bass compliment the song so goddamn well.  Chris makes the chorus melodic yet epic as hell.  The final half the song is brutal, the guitars both intricate and heavy handed while Chris goes deep with his growls. 

The title track is another banger, the shortest song on the album but just as effective.   The lead guitar is utterly fantastic (as it is on every song) and I love the galloping rhythms.  Chris’ vocals shine bright, bringing an emotional layer to the song.  The last minute and a half or so of the song is a jam session where the band lays it all out on the table.  I’m a firm believer that title tracks should always be stupid good and this one is dumb as hell in that respect.

The band tends to end their albums with huge songs and “Irene,” is no exception.  The clean/acoustic interplay in the beginning is pure bliss and surprisingly serene.  Then the guitars/bass bring the pain.  The harmonies with the vocals are a standout against the heavy contrast of the music.  This song pretty much gives an overview of the album and the band as hell, containing all the elements that have kept me a fan for years. 

Byzantine made the wait for “Harbingers,” worth it and then some.  They are one of the more underrated bands in the entire metal scene but I’ve no doubt this album will gain them many new fans and bring back the old ones.  This is possibly their best album but it is definitely a good starting point for new fans.  

Rating: Excellent