In between the worlds of Metal and Industrial, Dawn of Ashes is a band that has managed to balance both well. Founded by Kristof Bathory, the project originally retained a more aggressive Electronic-Industrial sound with albums like 2006’s In The Acts Of Violence. However, with the release of 2007’s The Crypt Injection, along with 2010’s Genocide Chapters, Dawn of Ashes sound grew more intense with Metal elements. Seamlessly blending Metal with Electronic over the next few albums, now in 2020 with The Antinomian, Dawn of Ashes find themselves in even darker territory.
The follow-up to 2019’s successful The Crypt Injection II, The Antinomian is a timely piece reflective of the dark side of society, and where we are headed if we do not wake up soon. Set for release on Friday, July 10th via new label Artoffact Records, it consists of 10 relentless new tracks.
It all begins with the hard pounding “Pawns of the Wretched” comprised of sinister, pulsing synth and a burgeoning hum, along with the signature, harsh vocals of Bathory. Clicking and whirring like the inside of a clock, it is an opening with impeccable timing and the ghostly whispers of emptiness within. Following up next is the Industrial multi-layered experience of “Sleep Paralysis,” complete with chopped cries of a woman stitched together, a bouncing synth line and hammering pace soon take over.
Tearing right along, the hard-hitting rip and slash of chugging guitars, shattering drums, and more inhuman vocals from Bathory engulf “Blood of the Titans.” Then there is the hellish guitar riff launch of “Dried Up,” before giving way to a ghastly, macabre atmosphere fueled by low, breathy prose, and circling effects. True to its title, “Scum of the Earth” comes in exploring the value of lesser beings in a barrage of heart-pounding, multi-layered synth and distorted voices. Simplistic, it focuses its energy into engaging synth work and keys, working magically in the process. Which leads us to the conclusion of the journey as “The War Within” offers chilling guitar matched with perverse and militaristic sampling.
In enough words, The Antinomian explores a vast anatomy of corruption and brutality in a wicked, raw Industrial soundscape. Kristof Bathory’s lyrics express an exploration of mindless droids, empty futures, and an archaic society that echo the current world. That in mind, his vocal performance is sinfully exquisite, especially when given the opportunity to stand out from the brutality of the instrumentation. Furthermore, the keys and synth build a world of chaos and tenebrosity which is complimented by potent drumming, as well as guitar work that brings an edge of Metal for a solid balance. A mirror image of humanity in current times and a harsh warning, Cryptic Rock gives The Antinomian 4 out of 5 stars.
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