REVIEW: Harakiri For The Sky – “Mӕre”

by Carina Lawrence / Dark Art Conspiracy

Austrian melodic black metal act Harakiri For The Sky have made quite an impact within the atmospheric post-metal scene since their formation a decade ago and gained a dedicated following as a result of this, now they are back with their highly anticipated fifth album and follow up to 2018’s critically acclaimed record ‘Arson’ with ‘Mӕre’. Mӕre is a malicious demon from folklore which creeps in and sleeps on people’s chests during the night, causing breathlessness and anxiety. This state and concept seem more appropriate than ever given the crisis in the world currently and this new release acts as the perfect incensed soundtrack to that chaos.

Opener ‘I, Pallbearer ‘is vast, foreboding yet hopeful with fierce vocals accompanied with heavy ambient instruments and furious riffs. An immensely powerful and compelling way to start.

Alcest’s frontman Neige brings a haunting finesse to ‘Sing For The Damage We’ve Done’ which is soaring, with lively riffs and the bleak screams paired with the fluid instruments works wonderfully.

The longest offering ‘I’m All About The Dusk’ is highly atmospheric and delightfully dark throughout. It is a deep and transcendent one to get lost in, much like all the tracks featured on the album. The anonymous voice of Gaerea joins in on the sombre and resonant ‘Silver Needle – Golden Dawn’.

The album comes to a close with an unexpected melodic cover version of Placebo’s alternative rock hit ‘Song To Say Goodbye’ which starts off with a beautiful intro. It is hard to believe this is a Placebo song as they have genuinely put their unique stamp on it, and it fits flawlessly amongst their original depressive black metal songs.

The album grips you immediately, but it pulls you in deeper the more you listen. This is a perfect bleak yet atmospheric album to let consume you. It is expansive and pushes the boundaries within metal and black metal, proving they are still masters within the atmospheric post-metal scene.

Check out their cover of ‘Song To Say Goodbye’: