Heraldic Blaze emerged in 2024 with the demo
“Blazoned Heraldry”, a short but striking introduction that already showed a
clear vision. The band is formed by American multi-instrumentalist Argent Pale, who handles vocals, bass and flute,
and Norwegian guitarist Peregrinus, known from Kvad,
Hjemsøkt, Solus
Grief, and Unholy Craft. On “Monument
Of Will”, their first full-length, they are joined by session drummer Kave, and the result is an album that confirms Heraldic Blaze as a promising name in the
landscape of medieval-inspired black metal.
The sound
of “Monument Of Will” has a sense of grandeur. Guitars dominate the space with
melodic riffs that carry sorrow and brightness, moving between harshness and an
almost regal quality. The production avoids being overly sterile, keeping a
touch of warmth that makes the performance organic. Argent
Pale’s vocals bring a sharp and commanding edge, while the addition of
flute adds a faint but noticeable medieval spirit without turning the music
into pastiche.
There is
variety across the tracks, and a unifying atmosphere ties everything together.
The use of flute is subtle but effective, and the guitar lines frequently cross
into territories of melancholic beauty. The drumming supports the music with
steady force, pushing it forward when needed and pulling back to allow the
melodic passages to unfold.
“Monument
Of Will” shows Heraldic Blaze taking their
first major step into the scene with confidence. It is a release that captures
a distinct medieval black metal character while also offering a broader
folkloric atmosphere that invites listeners to lose themselves in its
soundscape. A solid debut, and one that sets the foundation for what could grow
into something even more captivating in the years to come.
Score:
7.0
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