Once upon a time, I got a compliment on a hoodie I was wearing while ordering a beer at a brewery, and said bartender recommended a band called Falls of Rauros. I immediately checked them out and it was an easy win for my library of music. Now, the New England black metal group is back with another stellar release in Key to a Vanishing Future (Eisenwald Recordings/Gilead Media). Six tracks over the course of nearly forty-five minutes with each song keeping you intrigued is a true chef’s kiss.

The opening track, ‘Clarity’, provides just that for anyone who had not listened to Falls of Rauros before now. The chorus hook is so catchy, that double guessing if this is black metal will more than likely occur (and no, this is not in reference to being “kvlt”). The very next song on Key to a Vanishing Future, ‘Desert of Heart’, is all about hitting those feelings that only those who dabble in melodic black metal can really reach. If another fantastic chorus/hook is not enough, the interlude and guitar solo leading back into a refrain is sure to give goosebumps upon each listen. ‘Daggers in Floodlight’ opens up with about ninety seconds of melodic atmosphere and then quickly builds back up. What really stands out most in this track, which is present across the rest of the album in differing degrees, is the ability to remain on a “melodic” sound but also still being “heavy” or “metal”. Truly speaks to just how much these Mainers are pushing the boundaries of black metal.

Key to a Vanishing Future may just be the key some may need to finally cross over into the world of black metal. Falls of Rauros is able to write heavy, dark music while also presenting it in a beautiful and emotional way. While there are many bands that have expanded black metal outside of the old school Norwegian style, it is always exciting to see what will be next to further stray from the origin, yet still pay respects.

Buy the album here: https://store.eisenton.de/en/

8 / 10

TIM LEDIN