Prepare yourself for an auditory adventure unlike any other. Voraath, a sci-fi horror-inspired extreme metal band from Asheville, North Carolina, is set to release their debut album Vol 1: The Hymn of the Hunters on June 17. This album marks the convergence of talents from Xael, Visitant, Rapheumets Well, Implosive Disgorgence, and Sweet Blood, creating a sound that is as expansive as it is brutal.
Infusing their love of 80’s sci-fi movies, game lore, and folk tales of the Appalachian mountains, Chelsea Morrow (vocals), Tylor Kohl (guitar), Daniel Presnell (guitar), Paul McBride (bass), and Joshua Ward (drums, keys, vocals) with the lore of their music, Voraath blends native folk tones with crushing metal riffs that sets the stage for the epic tale that unfolds in Vol 1: The Hymn of the Hunter.
From the very first notes of “Into Perdition,” one is transported into the bleak, desolate landscapes of the Appalachian mountains. The simple yet effective song kicks off the journey through a dystopian world where survival is a constant struggle.
The journey continues with “The Road to Samm Hill,” where the mission to retrieve a mysterious alien mechanism becomes a battle for survival. Voraath’s intricate storytelling is matched by their musical prowess, with each riff and rhythm conveying the chaos and danger of the narrative’s quest. Tension is palpable in every note with the discovery of a traitor within their ranks.
As one moves deeper into the album, “Waypoint Orion” plunges us into the heart of the Appalachian forest, where the hunters face off against otherworldly creatures. The track’s relentless intensity is mirrored by the transformation of reality itself, a testament to the Voraath’s skill in merging music with narrative. Rentlessly brutal, the carnage of the song has a poignant lyrical touch of redemption and salvation.
While “The Terminus Rift” shifts the narrative to an alternate dimension, Voraath continues with a sound that is dark and menacing. The song’s elaborate guitar work and thunderous drums create a soundscape that is both alien and eerily familiar, echoing the band’s roots in the extreme metal scene.
Showcasing Chelsea’s ferocious vocals and the band’s dynamic range, “Dreadborn” is both a brutal narrative and musical battle with intense rhythms blending in with moments of melodic introspection. This balance of aggression and melody is a hallmark of Voraath’s sound, and it is executed to perfection in the track.
With “The Barrens,” Voraath delves into the harrowing world of post-traumatic stress. The track’s ebb and flow mimics the psychological turmoil of its characters, creating a mental soundtrack that is as haunting as it is cathartic. Voraath’s ability to convey deep emotion within its brutal framework is a testament to the band’s artistic depth.
Each twist and turn in the story is echoed in the music and “Judas Blood and Vultures” takes the storyline on a pursuit through a village ravaged by a creature from beyond the Nexus Rift. The song’s dark and mysterious narrative is complemented by its brooding melodies and ferocious riffs.
Voraath’s ability to craft such a rich, interconnected world through their music shines with “The Leviathan’s Keep”. Serving as a prequel to Vol 1: The Hymn of the Hunters’ main storyline, the narrative details a mission fraught with peril. The primitive, brutal rhythms and epic soundscapes elicit a sense of ancient danger that culminates in a revelation that sets the stage for future narratives.
With the dream-like interlude of “Dirge Colony” there is a moment of introspection amongst Vol 1: The Hymn of the Hunters’ relentless pace. The melancholic melodies and powerful instrumentation capture the sorrow and rage of their loss that create a deeply emotional track.
The album reaches its pinnacle with a grand confrontation with an interdimensional entity in “The God-Killer Saga”. The track’s epic scale and intensity are matched by its intricate storytelling, making it a fitting climax to the hunters’ journey.
The stand out track inspired by Trevor Henderson’s creations, “Sirenhead” adds a touch of horror to the album. With its eerie melodies and relentless riffs creating a chilling atmosphere it has an appeal for both metal and horror fans alike.
Capturing the sound of emptiness and despair, “Pyrrhic” closes the album on a bleak note. The haunting melodies and crushing riffs reflect the trauma and loss endured by the hunters, leaving one with a sense of sorrow and doom.
Voraath‘s Vol 1: The Hymn of the Hunters is a meticulously crafted journey through a rich, dystopian world. The band’s ability to blend metal with intricate storytelling sets them apart, creating an immersive experience that is both brutal and thought-provoking. Voraath has set a high bar with their debut, promising even greater adventures in the metal multiverse they are meticulously crafting.
