REVIEW: Ba'al - The Fine Line Between Heaven and Here

The Sheffield-based force of nature Ba’al have recently released their newest album, and it is their most ambitious work to date. Formed in 2016 and ultimately winning Metal 2 The Masses in 2017 - thereby securing a slot to play at the legendary Bloodstock Festival - the band members Joe Stamps (vocals), Nick Gosling (guitar), Richard Spencer (bass), Luke Rutter (drums) and Chris Mole (guitar) successfully skyrocketed towards their success almost immediately, and have been playing for a healthy audience ever since.

The band’s second full-length album consists of six lengthy, elaborate songs, emphasising post-black metal guitars and drums throughout. Right off the bat, the first song of the album, 'Mother’s Concrete Womb', is a long and emotional track, that brings to the table a plethora of different elements. From grieving guitars to aggressive drums, and some synths especially at the beginning of the song, accompanied by beautifully sad violin and Joe Stamps’ piercing vocals, the overall performance gives the listeners a unique immersive soundscape experience full of pain, frustration and sadness. The tempo and vocals change few times throughout the song, emphasising certain parts and lyrics. At the end, the song seamlessly flows into the next one, 'Waxwork Gorgon', which is an interesting and welcomed feature.

Another stand out song is 'Floral Cairn', predominantly thanks to an emotional bridge-like part, that uses clear vocals but gets more intense with each word told. It is an unexpected twist, as the track uses heavy instruments and vocals for the majority, and it pins down a visceral feeling of despair, before going into a full panic and breakdown. The piece is brilliantly written and beautifully executed, giving the music life-like atmosphere, that is easy for the listeners to understand and sympathise with.

'The Ocean That Fills A Wound' is not only the longest song on the album, but is also heavier on synths and sound effects, creating a unique atmosphere from the beginning. It starts subtly with guitar strumming, easy-going drums and clear vocals, which already marks it out as different from the rest of the album, and continues like this for a good chunk of time, before transitioning into heavier notes. The song once again evokes a plethora of powerful feelings in the listeners, with its usage of melodies, riffs and lyrics, and although the heavier elements in the song sound similar to the rest of the songs on the album, it is still one of the most fascinating songs on The Fine Line Between Heaven and Here, especially considering the writing and recording process.

The Fine Line Between Heaven and Here is a great second album, that features some heavy riffs and heavier lyrics. The way it manages to evoke such deep emotions in the listener is remarkable, however the repetitive sounds and sometimes the length of the songs can be very overwhelming, especially when listened to in one go. Nonetheless, Ba’al have once again proved to the metal scene that they're absolutely not here to play around.

Score: 7/10

The Fine Line Between Heaven and Here was released on July 18th 2025 via Road To Masochist.

Words: Katerina Stepanikova

Photos: Ba'al