Phrenelith’s New Album: Ashen Womb
A New Chapter in Danish Death Metal
Copenhagen’s Phrenelith has emerged as a leading force in the death metal scene, known for their aggressive and visceral sound. Following a three-year hiatus since their last full-length album, Chimaera, the band is set to release their highly anticipated third album, Ashen Womb. The new record promises to expand upon their established sound while exploring fresh musical territories.
Artistic Evolution
Guitarist and vocalist Simon Daniel emphasizes the importance of innovation in their new work. “It was important to us to not repeat ourselves and instead do something markedly different from both Desolate Endscape and Chimaera, while still retaining a signature sound,” he explains. This approach reflects Phrenelith’s desire to reconnect with the raw energy of their early releases while integrating the atmospheric elements introduced in Chimaera.
Balancing Old and New
Daniel describes Ashen Womb as a culmination of the band’s decade-long journey, striking a balance between their previous albums. The new record showcases a variety of musical traits, creating a cohesive narrative that stays true to their roots while pushing boundaries.
Musical Highlights
The album’s lead singles, “A Husk Wrung Dry” and “Stagnated Blood,” serve as a powerful introduction to the record. However, deeper cuts like “Nebulae” illustrate the band’s complexity, featuring intricate rhythms and a haunting atmosphere. Daniel vividly recalls the intensity of the track, comparing it to “taking a chainsaw to the guts or getting hit by a freight train.”
Long-Awaited Tracks
One of the standout moments on Ashen Womb is “Chrysopoeia,” a track that has been a staple of Phrenelith’s live performances for nearly eight years. “It was good to finally record it and shape it into its final form,” Daniel notes, highlighting the significance of this long-anticipated addition to their discography.
Recording Experience
The writing and recording process for Ashen Womb differed from previous efforts, with the band allowing themselves more time to experiment and refine their sound. Collaborating with a longtime friend as their recording engineer contributed to a creative environment where the band could truly perform at their best. Daniel expresses gratitude for the opportunity to immerse himself in the recording process, stating that it was one of his favorite aspects of creating the album.
Crafting a Musical Journey
When asked about his hopes for listeners, Daniel reflects, “I hope the listener will form their own interpretation of the album and its lyrics.” He emphasizes the importance of experiencing the entire record as a continuous journey, as he believes that the album is stronger as a whole than as isolated tracks. The band meticulously crafted Ashen Womb to create a musical narrative that resonates with audiences, even without the lyrics.
Release Information
Ashen Womb is set to be released this Friday through Dark Descent Records and Me Saco Un Ojo Records. Listeners can enjoy the album in its entirety exclusively at Decibel, with pre-orders available now.
Conclusion
With Ashen Womb, Phrenelith not only reaffirms their place in the death metal genre but also showcases their growth as artists. The album promises an immersive experience that invites listeners to explore its depths and form personal connections with the music.
FAQs
What themes are explored in Ashen Womb?
The album delves into various themes, allowing listeners to form their own interpretations based on the lyrics and musical elements.
How does Ashen Womb compare to Phrenelith’s previous albums?
Ashen Womb aims to balance the raw spontaneity of their early work with the atmospheric qualities developed in their recent projects, resulting in a unique sound that reflects their evolution.
When will Ashen Womb be released?
The album is set to be released this Friday through Dark Descent Records and Me Saco Un Ojo Records.
Where can I listen to Ashen Womb?
Ashen Womb will be available for exclusive listening at Decibel, with pre-orders currently open.