Hiraes - Solitary

Hiraes originates from Lower Saxony, Germany. The four musicians had previously played together in the melodic death metal band Dawn of Disease and later joined forces with another death metal vocalist, Britta Görtz (who is also involved in Critical Mess and Chaos Rising). The name "Hiraes" is derived from the Welsh word "hiraeth," which captures the sense of nostalgia for a place or home that never existed.

Their debut full-length album, "Solitary," was released in 2021. Produced by Jens Bogren (known for his work with Amon Amarth, Amorphis, and Arch Enemy), the album was released via Napalm Records, offering a 44-minute sonic treat.

I recently discovered Hiraes when they opened for Be'Lakor in London for their inaugural UK performance, held earlier this month in August 2023. Impressed by their communicative and positive stage presence, I decided to give their album a few spins.

The album kicks off with "Shadows Break," characterized by a twin guitar motif that seamlessly transitions into "Under Fire," one of the singles accompanied by a music video. These tracks firmly plant us in the realm of classical melodic death metal, featuring incisive guitar work, thunderous drumming, and guttural vocal delivery that progressively take center stage.

While parallels can be drawn to Arch Enemy due to the shared presence of a female vocalist, I contend that this record offers a more enjoyable experience than the recent offerings from Arch Enemy. It boasts greater diversity, to say the least.

Hiraes doesn't reinvent the wheel within the melodic death metal genre; however, the band charts its own course by skillfully blending Scandinavian influences (hinting at early 2000s In Flames in some instances) and German elements (evidenced by synth components).

The album's other single, "Eyes over Black," bursts forth with an energetic tempo and hallmark melodeath melodies.

"Solitary," the titular track, stands out as the most intriguing piece, marked by dynamic tempo shifts and a weightier guitar tone. Britta's versatile vocal range adds a new dimension to the song, ranging from thrashy vibes to nearly black metal-esque shrieks. This track easily claims the title of my personal favorite from the album. The album concludes with "Running Out Of Times," which amalgamates many of the aforementioned elements for a climactic finale (ultimately yielding to a soft piano coda after 44 minutes of auditory intensity).

While "Solitary" may not revolutionize the melodic death metal landscape, it undeniably satisfies listeners who appreciate the stylings of Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquillity, In Flames, and other melodeath luminaries. This album sidesteps progressive gimmickry and deathcore tropes, presenting a solid lineup of musicians, further enhanced by Britta's distinctive vocal contributions.

I'm already looking forward to their second release.

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