Creeping into Autumn of 2023 comes this recent release titled “Fires in the Fall” from our favorite DFW-based blackened-shoegaze/philosophical-doom metal three-piece (now 4 again?) - Krigsgrav. This band is one of my favorites to go out and see live. Their music is calming to the mind while somehow simultaneously being invigorating for the soul. The tone set by this band is somber and deeply thoughtful. The crowd sways, transfixed, some heads dropping occasionally, usually when the song dips into a particularly heavy set of riffs. Never miss a chance to see them perform this music live; consider it an order.
“Fires in the Fall” begins exactly the way their album art suggests it might, with their first track, "An Everflowing Vessel." This one is a slow build-up of atmospheric doom swirled with whistling, whispering wind you might hear at the edge of a deep wood. Quickly, you will learn why this band is beloved as this ambient overture smoothly transitions into a deep and heavy, shoegaze-style blackened doom paradise.
“The Black Oak” has perhaps my favorite set of riffs on the album, though with repeated listenings my feelings may evolve. This song will be amazing when performed live, as this is the Krigsgrav sound that I associate with them. A perfect song! Leave it on replay while you clean the house or... write reviews on heavy metal bands.
“In Seas of Perdition” is the type of Krigsgrav track that leaves you with the feeling of running through a dark forest, or maybe having accidentally summoned a troll. This is an exciting song, may start a pit or have my hair fly; fair warning, when Krigsgrav wants to, Krigsgrav slaps.
The subtlety of “Journeyman” riffs is refreshing and, to me, relays an underlying excitement for new chapters of life. I am not sure why I get that, but I’m definitely appreciating it.
The final track is much more grandiose and revitalizing than the title “Alone With the Setting Sun” might reveal. Overall, this album is a refreshing and soothing release from this local jewel, and I highly recommend you give this a listen. With a decent discography available online, you should have no shortage of satisfying metal this fall.
I will repeat - do NOT miss Krigsgrav when they come through your town!
Comments