Beyond The Black is more than just another album; it is a declaration of who the band is today. By leaning into their heavier influences while maintaining the melodic sensibilities that made them famous, they have created their most cohesive work to date. It is a must-listen for fans of Within Temptation, Nightwish, and Delain.
The album opens with , a high-energy anthem that sets the tone with its catchy chorus and soaring melodies. However, it’s in tracks like "Free Me" and "Dancing In The Dark" where the band truly shines, blending folk-inspired rhythms with heavy symphonic backdrops.
: Jennifer Haben’s vocal nuances—the breathiness in her lower register and the crystalline clarity of her high notes—are preserved without digital artifacts. Verdict Beyond The Black - 2023 - Beyond The Black [FLAC]
In a compressed format (like MP3), these layers can often sound "muddy" or flat. In FLAC, you get:
: You can clearly distinguish the grit of the bass guitar from the lower register of the cellos. Beyond The Black is more than just another
Since their 2014 debut, Beyond The Black has been a rising star in the symphonic metal world, led by the powerhouse vocals of Jennifer Haben. While previous albums like Horizons experimented with pop-metal crossover elements, this self-titled effort feels like a return to their metal roots. The production is crisp and powerful, emphasizing the interplay between driving guitar riffs and cinematic orchestrations.
For audiophiles, listening to this album in is essential. Symphonic metal is a dense genre; there are layers of synthesizers, orchestral strings, choral vocals, and heavy percussion all competing for space. The album opens with , a high-energy anthem
: This track highlights the band's technical growth, featuring intricate guitar work and a massive wall of sound that feels tailor-made for festival stages.