Review: “Ashen Skies” by Azshara

Citing influence from acts like Undying and Dissection, Syracuse New Yorkers Azshara struck like a wrecking ball with their 2023 self titled demo and it was enough to get them signed to Daze, who re-released it in remixed and remastered form earlier this year. Taking their name from a Queen in classic video game World of Warcraft, the band feature musicians known for their work in Deal With God and Voidgasm with a taste for crushing and forlorn Blackened Metalcore. Their sophomore EP “Ashen Skies” was recorded with Chaz Torok at The Source (Balmora, Wreckage) in New Haven, Connecticut and opens with a classic line from cult movie Donnie Darko…

…which along with the artwork connects it to the bands of the early 2003 American Metalcore scene that rose to prominence having been influenced by the Gothenburg sound in Melodic Death Metal. Despite being a bit raw around the edges “To Bring About Our End” brings to mind early works from It Dies Today and As I Lay Dying with Melodic Death Metal lead guitar work adding some light to the darkness of the pummelling rhythms. The vocals from Collin Flynn are nothing short of caustic while the pacing and energy of the tracks feels like a jolt from the electric chair. Dan Violence of Kidnapped fame lends his throat to “Thorns“, his barked vocal moments pushing the Metallic Hardcore vibes during an otherwise rampaging lesson in audio violence. Not so much Connecticut as Connect-the-cuts with the mosh parts augmenting the razor sharp riffage in style. The rain comes down as “Mourning Frost” begins, a deep seeded sense of melancholy with Scandinavian roots providing an instrumental moment of clarity and reflection before the title track burns like wire. Another fierce slab of Metalcore with blood gargling vocals “Ashen Skies” sweeps everything else aside with a fleeting burst of blast beats and thunderous verse in the mid section straight out of the 90’s Florida Death Metal playbook. It’s a brutal moment that offers a real gut punch before the Melodic Death Metal leads return, sparking another flame. Mosh parts return for the chugging “Soulbound“, a cleverly worked pick slide and glorious leads counter balancing the savage vocals perfectly once again. While there isn’t anything here you won’t have heard elsewhere before, this is done so well that its impossible not to enjoy. A fun and nostalgic Metalcore record, “Ashen Skies” will certainly do you no harm and may even help you reconnect with some long lost classics [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. To Bring About Our End
2. Thorns (ft. Dan Violence of Kidnapped)
3. Mourning Frost
4. Ashen Skies
5. Soulbound

“Ashen Skies” by Azshara is out 21st March 2025 via Daze