Return to the recording scene for AmongRuins and what a return it is. “Land Of The Black Sun” is their third full-length following “Bring Out Your Dead” (2013) and “No Light” (2016). The years that have passed since their previous work have probably worked beneficially as they offer us this dynamite. With a new logo and a renewed line-up, since now with them on guitars is the highly experienced Alex Flouros (Diviner, Fragile Vastness).
The difference compared to the past is big, the evolution is obvious. Melodic death metal that basically looks towards the Finnish school is played by the Athenians and they do it in a very convincing way. Solid and powerful sound, excellent growls by bassist/vocalist Sverd and amazing guitar work in leads, riffs as well as melodies with that so characteristic melancholy that the bands from the land of a thousand lakes have accustomed us to. And that’s what makes the big difference.
They have always played of course in the fields of melodic death but so many and well-written melodies they had never presented us before. On the plus side, the complete absence of the core elements that existed in their previous works and some masterfully placed keyboards that create a great atmosphere (“Our Destructive Tide”). The closing with the title track which has clean vocals is also great. AmongRuins take their influences and channel them into their music in a very right way, making a great result.
The album lasts a little less than forty minutes, which is just what you need in order not to get bored on one hand and on the other hand to make you want to give it another listen. The compositions are mostly moving in mid-tempo speeds, but the band does perfectly well also when they decide to turn up the intensity a bit. In general, “Land Of The Black Sun” can take the band to the next level. The wait was more than worth it. Such releases are what the local scene needs.
P.S.: Maybe irrelevant, but relevant in my mind. AmongRuins is the fourth Greek band that I notice to release an album this year after many years of absence, which is a big upgrade compared to the past. The other three? The Silent Rage, Elysion and Bio-Cancer.
