Barrowlands – Demo 2012

After Mary Shelley broke up (the band, not the author of Frankenstein), several of the members formed Barrowlands. The music on their first demo shows that they've vastly improved on what they learned as Mary Shelley.

Do you remember that one part of Earthbound where Ness goes to Magicant, slays his nightmare, and receives the mother of all level ups? This album is sort of like that. The music is so much grander in scope, the atmosphere is so much more enveloping, the composition is so much more intricate. The guitars are more melodic, more technical, more sweeping and majestic. There are even solos now. There are also calmer parts that implement clean guitars and cello that build up tension before the black metal arrives.

The drums are also improved as they show off many more tricks and fills and complex beats. The bass continues to rise in prominence, giving the music a much stronger texture. The vocals are now less a standalone element and have practically integrated themselves into the music. When combined, all these elements form an experience that transcends the typical and forges from mere thought a landscape of wonder and beauty.

I can't believe I haven't listened to this album until now. Barrowlands further confirms my belief that 2012 is the best year in metal's history.

You can download their album for free at their official Bandcamp page.