Ohio based Metalcore band Like Moths To Flames have truly risen from the ashes to provide a cracker of an album set to be released just before Christmas (Nov 3rd), Dark Divine – By Zoe Marchment. Since touring in the UK last year back in December on The Rise Up Tour with Devil Wears Parada and Memphis May Fire, the band signed to Rise Records, have released their new video for their song Shallow Truths For Shallow Minds on newly awaited album Dark Divine. The production is stellar. See below:
I was fortunate to hear this album before the release date and it was a real treat. Dark Divine starts off with a slow and calming track called New Plagues. This really helps ease the listener in to the album and makes you really appreciate the clean vocal range of Frontman Chris Roetter. The second, Nowhere left to sink, is slightly similar with Memphis May Fire influences, this song has punchy riffs to accommodate the melodic vocals. I really thought the start of the album would knock me off my feet straight away, however, the more I listened the more I liked each song that followed on. Getting heavier and heavier throughout the album, as he talks about battling mental illness and heat break, which I’m sure any listener has had at some point. Chris really speaks to our hearts and makes the listener really sympathise with his words. I, myself, found one of the tracks that touched me in a way that it sent shivers down my spine, this song was Instinctive Intuition. His vocals are top form, his growls are striking and powerful without overpowering his bandmates.
Dark Divine the title track has a placement of well-crafted guitar riffs, where one would normally expect a “chugging” style breakdown, it kind of makes you feel like you’re listening to a lighter version of Architects. Lyrics, beautifully written and the song assembling together as the breakdown leads to the screaming of: ‘Just to let this go, let this go’ roared down the mic which really leaves an imprint on you. For me, I feel it physically portrays how some people deal with relationships. You can be the loveliest person in the world however, if you overthink, have trouble opening up and expressing your feelings to the one you love it can cause issues. Thus, making it hard to trust anyone else again, until you can learn how to let someone in and risk letting your heart get broken again. The whole album has some powerful and moving lyrics about struggling through battles of depression, anxiety, addiction and heart break.
Empty the same, a slow song which is nice to hear after the above Dark Divine. Slightly depressing leaving the listener feeling melancholy with similar lyrics to the song. It’s a little scatty but that’s how your mind works when you are going through what they have written about, so it’s a nice touch that mirrors the lyrics. Then, you have From Dust Returned, which is very djent with heavy bass and sludgy riffs. Personally, I would have made the drums a lot heavier, with a lot more double peddle than what is currently used however, I’m no musical genius. This song is ideal for fans of Devil Wears Parada and Memphis May Fire. Following on, Even God Has Hell, has some slow staunch breakdowns making this feel moody and brooding, but the ever so powerful and beautiful vocals tie in excellently, this is one I will be putting on repeat. Getting heavier, the deeper you go into the album, the following songs really blew my socks off, Instinctive intuition, Mischief managed (Someone must be a secret Harry Potter fan), Glimpse and ending on False idol which has a mix of techno, heavy riffs, hardcore and sweet vocals, this song packs a punch. The breakdown sends shivers down your spine which leads to an abrupt ending making you want to put it on repeat again. Like moths to flames fans will be amazed at the depth, continuity, and context of this album which feels like a jump into the unknown but soothed with a familiar sound.
Overall, a good album with some punchy tunes that are brilliantly written with good production. My advice to you is, don’t judge this album solely by the first 2 tracks, give it time to envelop your body and completely open you up to the heavy hard-core slams and breakdowns that prevail. Written in order similar to a story, you have the light-hearted start of the album, the curious twist, the meaty chapters that keep you hooked and the cliff hanger that leaves you wanting to re-listen to this story over and over again. This album will open doors (if they aren’t already) wide open for Like Moths To Flames, the amount of passion, time and effort put into this creation is defiantly portrayed in Dark Divine, Pre order today.
Rating: 8/10
One to listen: Instinctive Intuition