Whenever a band has released a number of EPs and garnered millions of YouTube views, the pressure is on for the inevitable debut album. The Netherlands’ Blackbriar are one of said bands. Having released multiple singles and 3 EPs since their formation in 2012. Their debut LP The Cause of Shipwreck will either see their career conquer the waves or, rather ironically, it could be the cause of their shipwreck.
Well it’s a damn good job there is no career wrecking album here. Quite the opposite in fact. Blackbriar have put together an excellent maiden voyage. The broody, dark and gloomy gothic vibe weighs heavy. Bridging a gap somewhere between rock and metal, it’s easy to see why they toured with the likes of Epica and In This Moment. Blackbriar themselves proclaim an album full of songs about “primeval forces of nature, mythological creatures, bygone times, ghosts hoping to be noticed, darkness, and love.” Everything in this album perfectly compliments each other. The slow, haunting pace, the lyrical subject matters, and a frontwoman who deserves special mention.
Vocalist Zora Cock has a voice you would never fail to recognise again once you have been introduced. The sweet, child like quality, sang with perfect clarity is a perfect match to the gothic style. A particular mention needs to be made on her use of vibrato. Guitarists are often defined by their signature use of vibrato, but when a vocalist performs it to perfection it is something special. Zora has this nailed, and really stands out on every track, propelling herself to the top tier of metal vocalists.
Every since I first listened to this album, I have had a number of the tracks stuck in my head which I find myself involuntarily singing. Normally this would lead to me looking for a power drill for a DIY lobotomy. In this instance however, the über catchy melodies are delightful, and in all honesty just makes me listen to the album once more. Each song has something about it that sets itself apart from the rest (if sometimes only subtle). At 43 minutes and with only the final track materially breaking over 5 minutes, its a perfect length, with no filler ashore. Walking Over My Grave is the grand spectacle at the centre of the album. Beautiful melody, and a deliciously disturbing video to complete the unsettling gothic fantasy.
Thankfully this album, rather than being The Cause of Shipwreck, is an album fulfilling the potential of Blackbriar. Everything working in perfectly bedevilled harmony, and a vocalist who demands your attention. The haunting sirens of the night are luring weary seafarers to their untimely doom, and the strength of that call is demanding you check out this top quality album.
Score: 8/10
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