Madder Mortem: Old Eyes, New Heart

Norwegian progressive metal band Madder Mortem are set to release their long-awaited, 8th album Old Eyes, New Heart.

Despite having a long career this is my first listen to the band. There’s a lot for me to like in the band's sound, and it’s impossible to review the band or the album without making mention of the vocals of Agnete M. Kirkevaag; her vocals are very strong and distinctive.

The tracks on the album cover a lot of different styles, which is probably why the progressive tag fits this band. Almost Devin Townsend style, wall of sound, progressive metal tracks (ie. "Coming from the Dark") make way for much more laid-back pop-rock tracks (ie. "Cold Hard Rain"). The accompanying press release notes that the band is ‘embracing a multitude of directions spanning from post-metal heaviness to soft Americana grooves and everything in between’, and there’s no doubt the band cover a lot of ground. I find all the styles to be enjoyable, although I would say that the album as a whole seems to jump around from track to track. The wash up to all of that is that Old Eyes, New Heart doesn’t land as a totally cohesive piece of work to my ears. Despite that, there’s nothing overly standing out to me as particularly weak to be critical of individually; the tracks are well composed, performed, and produced. Worth a listen if you’re a fan of female-fronted heavy or progressive music.

Tracklist:
1. Coming from the Dark
2. On Guard
3. Master Tongue
4. The Head that Wears the Crown
5. Cold Hard Rain
6. Unity
7. Towers
8. Here and Now
9. Things I’ll Never Do
10. Long Road

Added: January 12th 2024
Reviewer: Chris Reid
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 486
Language: english

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