One of my latest discoveries through one of my incursions on Bandcamp is Hope Drone. I just bumped into them while I was checking some random black metal acts and the minute I pressed that “Play” button I was instantly surrendered to it. Hope Drone are a black metal band hailing from Brisbane, Australia formed by members that seem to also play in local bands like The Fevered, for example. With the hand of Sanford Parker behind the production of this release and with it being mastered by Dan Randall (who both also worked with Ash Borer), the result here is really above average when compared to all the latest releases in the genre. Hope Drone’s music can be described as a more contemporary style of black metal – I could almost describe them as a more accessible version of Ash Borer – but by stating this, it’s not my intention to say that they are copy cats of the California band, no… don’t get me wrong. Hope Drone really took all the influences they get from new and old black metal influences and created their own vision, and what a really impressive vision it is. With such great names behind the making of this, the sound featured here on this amazing debut is at the least great. Everything is worked to the detail, as the band distills some of the most blistering, rabid and extremely well-executed black metal that must be heard now.
Pre-order vinyl HERE!
Beginning with “Advent“, that is served as the perfect appetizer for what we’re about to hear. The drum sets up an hypnotic rhythm as the guitars scream feedback in the background for almost two minutes of the five and half minutes that this track lasts, suddenly raging blastbeats are unleashed over a thick layer of killer almost “cascadian-ish” black metal riffs that are chained to Chris Rowden’s agonizing harsh vocals. “Finite” a colossal track that through its almost 12 minutes that it lasts, unfolds some amazing melodramatic riffs who have the power to create in us a feeling of melancholy totally caught up in a whirlwind of anger. “Grains“, another of those tracks that unravels bit by bit, a track filled with some more gentle moments but also full of an invigorating and brutal energy that catches us off guard dragging us into a vortex of blackness. “Ash“, the closing track, begins in a melancholy tone almost in a way of a farewell, but still the band gathers energy strong enough to invoke some blistering blackness.
One of interesting aspects is that even though the tracks are long, we never get that feeling that the band disperses, a common factor that usually happens in ambitious young bands in the genre. The band seems and sounds to be very focused and by doing tht they have created an amazing piece of music here. Which just proves that Hope Drone is here to stay and with this release they make a solid statement creating a status of respect amongst the new and veteran bands in this genre. An album that is fresh, invigorating and captivating. Not to be missed. Amazing debut.
Hope Drone’s debut is available on the band’s Bandcamp don’t forget to support such creative new acts like Hope Drone. Follow their moves on Facebook too. Highly recommended!
New Comments