6th June 2024

Review: “Self Titled” by Ashen Skies

Hailing from Gosport in the United Kingdom, bassist Joe Hanham and guitarist James Short have been creating music together in various outfits for more than 30 years. Seeking the path less travelled with a desire to create music free from borders and boundaries the pair decided to start a fresh project and in late 2023 reached out to former Twelve Foot Ninja vocalist and keyboardist Nik “KiN” Barker. The Australian found the pairs vision intriguing and together they formed Ashen Skies, trading ideas between continents over cyberspace and embracing each others creative process. In just five months the trio had created a self titled debut EP…

…with “Hostile Architecture” setting the tone in fire starting fashion. KiN has always had an impressive vocal range and from harsh uncleans to Howard Jones or Lajon Witherspoon like cleans, he gives the projects first burnt offering both barrels. Some nasty synth sounds which are reminiscent of American Head Change clean the palate before blast beats hit like a freight train, clicky bass from Hanham and razor sharp riffs from Short providing a soundscape to allow the vocalist to shine. Bombastic, the groove of it is insane while moments of melody elevate it to a new realm of existence with a tasteful spice that’s nice in diversity. A Horror film inspired music box chime ushers in “Paroxysm“, a dark and violent nightmare with absolutely stunning clean vocal parts. The sonic abrasions are urgent, the constant rhythmic battering incredibly tight and when you add to that little nuances Ashen Skies have a recipe for something tasty.

There is an electric energy to all of these cuts, “Conspiranoia” not slowing in the trios relentless desire to put the world to rights one song at a time. Tearing into mass media and warning of their hidden agendas and subliminal verses, this is a classic thought provoking affair that has the sonic backbone to get the point across without feeling forced. It’s there if you want it, if you don’t, there is still plenty to enjoy. Moving into Progressive Tech Metal territory with some DJent riffs, “Entropy” has an aching beauty to it with delicate keys and rich melodies. A less direct song this one could easily go on another verse and chorus without outstaying its welcome. A collection of high quality songs from high calibre musicians, no corners have been cut or expenses spared in their creation. If someone said they’d been recorded, mixed and mastered by a legend like Dan Swanö, no one would be any the wiser. That’s a testament to theses musicians dedication to their craft without even mentioning the quality of their musicianship. If this is simply the beginning, then the future is so bright it will burn your retinas [8/10]

Track Listing