Album Review: Forged In Black – Lightning In The Ashes (Fighter Records)

Carl Fisher 2 min read

Four years on from the Descent of The Serpent album, heavy metal’s Forged in Black return with their second release for Fighter Records, Lightning in The Ashes. Out on June 20th, 2023.

Photo by Tina Korhonen, all rights reserved

Staying true to the heartbeat of heavy metal but incorporating genres such as thrash, power, doom, and progressive metal. Forged in Black have one goal with Lightning in The Ashes and it’s to get you head banging as hard as possible from beginning to end.

An easy request to adhere to when the band in question is pumping out such quality metal tracks such as the ten found here.

Beginning in lovable old-school fashion with Be One with Fire, the neck muscles will already be warmed up nicely. Perfect for the blend of power and punchiness that comes from the title track. A strong chorus, killer riffs, and a cool guitar solo help make this one a memorable listen. Before along comes Dusk Breather and its doomy and thrashy touches to showcase the variety in Forged in Black’s sound.

Variety that is prevalent with aplomb on the impressive progressive and power blend that is Dark Lord Requiem. An album highlight as Forged in Black seem so comfortable playing this kind of music.

There are some interesting melodic touches (with a cool use of a trumpet) on War Torn Skull. Whereas Chains of the Damned blends laborious power-infused drawls with fiery speeding intensity, and both Building a Beast and Brother’s Keeper bring back some of those doomy touches for a brilliant bout of head-banging.

It’s time for Hellucinator now though so hold on to your asses as Forged in Black hit a rampant tempo, demanding every last bit of energy you have in you. Before wrapping the record up with the stonking example of thrilling high-powered heavy freaking metal that is Detonation Ritual. It, and everything that came before, proof that Forged in Black are expanding and really comfortable in showing what they are capable of.

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Forged in Black – Lightning in The Ashes Track Listing:

1. Be One with Fire
2. Lightning in The Ashes
3. Dusk Breather
4. Dark Lord Requiem
5. War Torn Skull
6. Chains Of the Damned
7. Building A Beast
8. Brother’s Keeper
9. Hellucinator
10. Detonation Ritual




Links

Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Fighter Records

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Forged In Black - Lightning In The Ashes (Fighter Records)
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