Horror Within - Soul Awakening

Horror Within is a death metal band from France who formed in 2019. Their latest album, "Soul Awakening" is their debut album; they have also released an EP. I was surprised by how good this album is. I shouldn't be, though, considering it is from Dolorem Records, who always prize quality over quantity (as one should) but “Soul Awakening” is an exceptionally well written album with a few surprises here and there. It can be dynamic too and I wasn't always sure what the songs would bring. 

Of course, there are some elements that are guaranteed. Crushing riffs, violent rhythms and death growls abound—even with taking this album at face value, there is nothing any fan of extreme metal could find weak. When the band goes for broke and all these elements come together, their sound truly feels encompassing and even surreal. 

With 8 songs at just over the 36 minute mark, it is the perfect length for multiple listens. It is from those multiple listens where the album begins to peel back its layers and reveal itself.

First, the drumming is slick and clever as hell. It isn't bludgeoning for the sake of it although it is certainly filled with those moments. But such moments are used as a tool in their arsenal rather than just the only weapon. There are a lot of interesting rhythms going on on these songs and they are all the better for it.

The atmosphere is oppressive as hell–not necessarily suffocating but there is a bone crushing feel to the album that feels palpable, acting as a very real presence that is just as important as the music itself.

Leading the charge is a dual vocal approach that adds a constant chaotic approach to every song.

As the songs switch gears, the guitars introduce short stops and stops, always leaving my ears intrigued for what is next but also never giving them a break. 

The opening song, “Phobophobia,” begins at straight up 100% death metal with an old-school mentality approach to the groove. They switch gears to an upbeat romp that's actually super catchy—I love how well the nand works together with an impressive display of synergy.

But then they throw in some melody for what amounts to a chorus for “Silent Fall”—and it is far more catchy than it has a right to be. The song itself is more subtle and melancholic than the previous song, at least in the beginning. The later part is laced with horror and trepidation—fantastic lead guitar. This sort of moody ebb and flow is what makes this album stand apart from a lot of death metal I've heard this year.

“Basic Day,” is anything but that. Most of the song is extremely violent with a raging fury that floods the senses. Then at the halfway mark, a steam roller of a groove suddenly leads the song into some sort of odd drum &bass/dubstep type of passages. Should that work? NO. Does it? HELL YES. This kind of adventurous path is always welcomed, even in death metal and the band fucking nails it. 

The final song, “The Beast,” is my favorite on the album. The beginning is almost gentle, almost serene. The drums arrive and build up the tension. Then the vocals come in but they are far away, trapped behind a veil. But it all breaks through, becoming a song that is both atmospheric and brutal. The primal energy of the vocal performances spearhead the song while the guitars/bass go from intricate to melodic and back around to crashing through walls of extremity.

Horror Within's “Soul Awakening” has a beast inside that definitely comes alive. This cleverly written album harness the power of a classic death metal approach without being afraid to take different path to arrive there. Highly recommended.

Rating: Excellent