REVIEW: Edenbridge - Set The Dark On Fire

As one of the longest playing bands on the symphonic metal scene, EDENBRIDGE hardly ceases to surprise with their new music. Eleven albums deep, with their twelfth album Set The Dark On Fire coming out in less than seven days, the Austrian six-piece does not seem to lose its appeal even in the slightest. Composed of SABINE EDELSBACHER (vocals), LANVALL (guitars, hammered dulcimer, electric sitar and other instruments), JOHANNES GRAL (drums), STEVE HALL (bass) and SVEN SEVENS (lead guitar), the band promises to go beyond their own limits with Set The Dark On Fire, unleashing powers that were waiting for the right time to strike.

Opening the album with the energetic song The Ghostship Diaries was an excellent choice, as it gives the listener a perfect taste of what is to be expected - while keeping many secrets hidden until the right moment. EDELSBACHER’s voice echoes through the song in an almost ominous, yet very powerful way, while the guitars and drums offer their magic with memorable riffs and beats. Although the song is on the longer side, it still manages to keep the listeners engaged the whole time.

Cosmic Embrace is melodically similar to the first song, while Where The Wild Things Are is taking the audience on a big journey. The second mentioned is also the first song that fully showcases LANVALL’s talent, as the hammered dulcimer compliments GRAL and SEVENS’ riffs. The song is once again on the more energetic side, yet also feels more like the song is telling an engaging story. The next track, Tears Of The Prophets, is a transitional track composed of guitars that slows the atmosphere down a little, before continuing onwards.

Our Place Among The Stars feels slower but heavier with the layered sound of guitars. It is yet another example of the band’s ability to successfully execute longer songs without losing the listener’s interest, which is with no doubt a key accomplishment. It is also a good preparation for one of the songs with the fastest pace EDENBRIDGE ever released, the titular Set The Dark On Fire. Melodically very close to power metal and boasting a head-banging solo that felt more than right in the midst of the chaos, it is with no doubt one of the most memorable songs from the release.

The same can be true about the following song, Bonded By The Light, that does feel almost like a ballad from a James Bond movie, bringing in melancholic vocals and emotional riffs and synths that are only adding depth to the already stunning piece. The next track, Divine Dawn Reveal, is yet another transition between the songs, but this time hinting towards Middle Eastern topics, unveiling what the next song might be about. And indeed, the next song Lighthouse combines metal with the melodies from the Middle East, creating a unique sound and even bringing an extensive solo that is well suited for it. Apart from that, however, the song has moments when it sounds similar to many previous ones from the album. 

The last four tracks of Set The Dark On Fire are the center-piece of the release, as they are a four part song called Spark Of The Everflame. Starting with Spark Of The Everflame - Let Time Begin, that is the introduction to the long story, and transitioning into Spark Of The Everflame - The Winding Road To Evermore, Spark Of The Everflame - Per Aspera Ad Astra and the final Spark Of The Everflame - Where It Ends, Is Where It Starts, the thirteen minute long piece is a perfect summarisation of EDENBRIDGE’s entire sound spectrum throughout the years, combining energetic melodies, melancholic elements, almost cinematic experience and a big dollop of talented musicians.

EDENBRIDGE’s latest album Set The Dark On Fire is the band’s most ambitious work to date and it is needless to say that it does not only offer new perspectives and turns, but also brings familiar sounds and themes. Even after twenty-eight years on the metal scene, the band does not seem to run out of inspiration and instruments they can use in their work, and it is certain that anyone, who enjoys their work, or is interested in the symphonic metal, will enjoy the release to the maximum.

Score: 8/10

Set The Dark On Fire will be released on 16th January via Steamhammer

Words: Katerina Stepanikova

Photos: Edenbridge