BEFORE THE DAWN, STORMBRINGERS, CD, 2023

"After being on hiatus for 10 long years, Finnish melodic death metal band BEFORE THE DAWN proudly returns! Formed in 1999, chart-cracking BEFORE THE DAWN reigned as one of the most successful Finnish metal bands of the early 2000's, and since their burial in 2013, hundreds of thousands of new fans have discovered their music on streaming platforms, entirely without promotion or labels involved. Did the music find the people, or the people find the music - one can't be sure, but after being inactive for almost a decade, BEFORE THE DAWN now returns with their first new full length studio album since their hiatus - and stronger than ever! The band originated as Finnish Metal Award winning Tuomas Saukkonen's (Wolfheart) solo project, but throughout the years, there have been several lineup changes. With the exciting new lineup, the band introduces its biggest changes so far. Previous guitarist and vocalist Saukkonen has moved behind the drums, and talented Voice Of Finland 2022 finalist Paavo Laapotti has taken on all vocalist duties, while Juho Räihä is taking over the guitar. He has been part of BEFORE THE DAWN as solo guitarist since 2006 and is also known from being a member of Swallow The Sun. Now, the Finns have fully transformed into their new power and are ready to reconquer the scene! Strombringers sets off right away with the massive track "Destroyer" - taking no prisoners. Relentless drumming and everchanging guitar lines build up a wall of sound that sets the tone for the album perfectly, when harsh sounds interfere with calmer parts, the intense clean vocals of Paavo Laapotti, and an astonishing guitar solo. Opener "Chains" lures the listener with stomping drums, heavy riffs and everchanging clean vocals with deep growls. With ease, the album balances aggressive and raw death metal facets with haunting melancholy carried by Paavo Laapotti's vocals and intense melodies. This can be witnessed on "Downhearted" - a forward moving mid-tempo track spiced up with visceral growls illustrating the depths of darkness. Likewise, "Reveries" is a mighty hymn with incredible melodies and excellent guitar lines, while "Divided" enchants with a delicate intro mixing acoustic guitar and piano tunes that build up to a melodic wall of brutal sound. "Chaos Star" immediately draws the listener into an intense soundscape where intense Death Metal parts interfere with a melancholic, visceral melody and a passionate chorus showcasing Paavo Laapotti's vocal skills, while "The Dark" catches instantly with an intense intro and - as with the whole album - a wild ride between calmer parts, intense growls and untamable Death Metal passages. With Strombringers, BEFORE THE DAWN prove that even after 10 years of absence, they haven't lost a glimpse of their power and unleash a storm - paving their way to reconquer the scene! "