REVIEW: Byzantine - Harbingers

Almost three decades into their career, West Virginia’s Byzantine proves once again why they

remain one of modern metal’s most fiercely underrated acts with the release of their seventh

studio album, Harbingers. The band delivers a stunningly diverse and technically masterful body of work, one that’s equal parts aggressive, melodic, and deeply human, which will surely catch the listeners attention and reel them in.

Led by founding vocalist and rhythm guitarist Chris “OJ” Ojeda, Byzantine has always operated at the intersection of groove, thrash, and progressive metal. On Harbingers, that formula is not only intact, it’s evolved. This is their first major release since their 2020 EP Live from Trident Music Facility, and it’s immediately clear the band has poured every ounce of themselves into this record.

The album opens on a meditative note with 'Consequentia', a brief - but impactful - introductory piece featuring harmonic guitar lines and ethereal vocals. It’s a soulful, almost spiritual invitation into the chaos to come, establishing a cinematic scope and tonal depth that runs throughout the album. The next song, 'A Place We Cannot Go', wastes no time shifting gears. It’s a riff-heavy, high-energy beast of a track driven by thunderous drums and Ojeda’s signature vocals. A drum build-up leads into a surprisingly melodic chorus, adding dimension without compromising the track’s sheer intensity.

Then comes 'The Clockmaker’s Intention', a standout moment on the album. Its powerful riffs and precision drumming form a solid backbone, but it’s the piano, an incredible subtle touch that elevates the song. It’s a masterclass in balancing heaviness with beauty, a theme that continues to echo throughout Harbingers. Mid-album highlight 'Riddance' is a full-throttle mosh anthem. With rapid-fire guitar work and whiplash-inducing time signature changes, it’s Byzantine at their most technical and aggressive.

Alongside the equally as hard hitting title track 'Harbinger', this track is about society leaders overcome by greed, doing anything and everything to continue their ultimate race for power. Closing track 'Irene' begins with delicate acoustic strumming, offering a moment of reflection before erupting into a swirling storm of emotion, while still showcasing beauty within the chaos.

Across its nine tracks, Harbingers is not just an album, it’s an experience. Whether it’s through intricate musicianship, clever compositional twists, or raw vocal delivery, Byzantine makes sure each moment counts. Perhaps more importantly, with the release of this record, Byzantine hasn’t just returned, they’ve raised the bar. For long time fans, it’s a triumphant continuation of the band’s legacy. For newcomers, it’s a perfect entry point into one of metal’s most creative and consistent forces, having a taste of everything for any type of metalhead to headbang along to.

Score: 10/10

Harbingers will be released on June 13th via Metal Blade Records.

Words: Sage James

Photos: Byzantine