27th May 2020

Review: “Volcano One” EP by Drakh

Formed in 2015 by multi instrumentalist António Couto and vocalist Luís Franco in Azores, Portugal, Drakh are a Death Metal duo whose sound is inspired by Cosmicism, Existentialism and the insularity of their home. After all, the Azores Islands are an unparalleled Atlantic beauty but that comes with a price…

…first emerging from the band in May 2019, “Cosmic Shadow” is a dark and brooding affair of Death Metal growls akin to Phil Bozeman of Whitechapel fame and some slightly strained clean vocals that improve as the track flows through. Musically, it’s a Death Metal rhymic pounding with a Technical edge that might catch you off guard and adds plenty of flavour. Time has been spent on creating atmosphere and the melody from which “Só” is built is a bright ray of sunshine through the dark clouds of the Death Metal aggression. Purists might find the deviations from the path with Progressive touches and Melodic weaves of nuance an unwelcome distraction but it is surprisingly refreshing to have something so gracious on something that still has a decent punch. Rapid fire metronomic drum patterns permiate “Temporal Dust” as it begins with a blood thunder heaviness, cleverly progressing more melodic territory by gradually bringing in the clean vocals and layering them up. Again, that progressive meandering is a highlight with a fine solo and ethereal feel before it builds back to the darker side of things. “White Tree” has something of a Black Metal edge to the lyrical themes as it’s bleak and winding tale is told over some Melodic riffs during stormy weather sounds. Drakh take elements from different styles and influences and blend them to create something more befitting of their talents than a more traditional sound and their willingness to experiment is intriguing. “Queen Nebula” introduces synths and programming that help the soaring guitar work to create a sense of epic grandeur, broken up by punches of blast beats and unclean vocal savagery. This final track could belong to Between The Buried And Me, it’s that good and by the time it reaches its natural conclusion, you want more, which is always a good sign [7.5/10]

Track listing