Review: “Diminisher Of Hope” by Under Auburn Skies

Five long years after their last taped confession, Denver Colorado Metalcore outfit Under Auburn Skies return with third record “Diminisher Of Hope”. In the past with 2021’s “Invention of Reason” and 2018’s “Afterimage” they have been found at the edge of the world where raw energy meets immersive atmosphere and soaring melodies. This time however they promise something more with wild, controlled chaos that is executed with the persistence and precision of guillotine over six songs mixed and mastered by Chris Wiseman  (Shadow Of Intent, Currents,  Heteromorphic Zoo)…

Seventy two second introductory piece “First Blood” sets the tone with a distorted spoken word accompanied by icy keys and haunting programming before the mirrors reflection is shattered with “World-Eater“. Harsh vocals intertwine with DJent infused poly rhythmic riffs, the warmth and intensity of the track with its personal lyrical narrative cutting a stark contrast to that introduction. In some ways the tune feels like a little bit of a throwback to the Tech-Metal onslaught of 2017 but in fairness its done so well that irrespective of that nostalgic quality it’s fearfully addictive.

Ambient programming makes way from a brutal roar at the start of “The Pale King“, the bands ability to produce little moments of nuanced magic testament to their craftsmanship and time well spent in the rehearsal space. Big mid-tempo chugs separated by bursts of faster, more technical riffage and powerful percussion takes us back to Carcer City at their finest, the aggression in the vocal performance giving the melody a serious cutting edge. The only surprise is that this one fades out early while the vocal brutality is still in full flow which makes for an interesting choice.

The band snap back with “Gravemind” which brings with it a tsunami of DJent infused Metalcore riffs, the buried icy keys a little too far back in the mix to make their presence felt. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing because the string work is divine up until a clean vocal bridge with a rich melody that breaks the up the flow without losing any of the energy. It feels like a risk which has paid of handsomely because the throat shredding vocals and haunting keys that follow with the guitars being a little bit more sparse is devastating.

Staccato riff breaks continue into the heavy hitting “Dathomir“, the introspective lyrical narrative one of a broken relationship that resonates in captivating fashion because its just so easy to relate to. When you add that to the weight of the melancholic atmosphere and the catchy clean vocal moments you have something of grit and integrity that you’re going to want to circle back to often because its power. Last but by no means least “Final Sin” has that neck snapping groove that is going to make you want to instinctively nod your head. Sebastian Gorklo’s vocals are arguably at their harshest on this one, the odd clean moment over some vibrant leads adding just a little light to the shade. The contrasts and complexities of this record are things to admire and while they have kept us waiting a long time for this one, it’s been well worth the wait [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. First Blood
2. World-Eater
3. The Pale King
4. Gravemind
5. Dathomir
6. Final Sin

“Diminisher Of Hope” by Under Auburn Skies is out 17th July 2026 and is available over at bandcamp