Copenhagen’s Phrenelith has cemented their place in the underground death metal scene with their third full-length album, Ashen Womb. Known for their unrelenting intensity and bleak soundscapes, this release is a testament to the band’s evolution while staying rooted in their sinister origins. Throughout the nine tracks, Phrenelith delivers a suffocating and apocalyptic experience, intertwining moments of overwhelming darkness with glimpses of haunting beauty.
From the opening track, “Noemata,” a droning tone fades in, setting the stage for what feels like a descent into an infernal abyss. The song gradually transforms into a dirge-like march, easing listeners into the cataclysmic onslaught that defines the album. Tracks like “Astral Larvae” and “A Husk Wrung Dry” erupt with seismic intensity, showcasing the band’s mastery of blackened death metal. Guitars weave intricate, morose melodies, scaling the fretboard with anxious precision, while the drums crash and pound with unrelenting force, creating an overwhelming sense of devastation.
What sets Ashen Womb apart is its dynamic range and use of atmospheric elements. Interludes of droning psychedelia and ambient noise are skillfully placed throughout the album, pulling listeners deeper into the shadowy world Phrenelith has created. These moments of respite only heighten the impact of the heavier sections, offering a contrast that amplifies the album’s emotional depth.
“Nebulae” and the title track, “Ashen Womb,” stand out as moments where the band explores the boundaries of their sound. Both tracks indulge in repetition, layering serpentine guitar melodies that spiral into desolate harmonies. Drenched in melancholy, these sections feel almost hypnotic, drawing listeners into a state of introspection amidst the chaos.
Lyrically and thematically, Ashen Womb paints a picture of an inevitable apocalypse. Whether interpreted as a warning or a grim celebration, the album’s tone is unyielding in its bleakness. The closing track, “Chrysopoeia,” encapsulates this duality, offering a cathartic finale that is equal parts despair and triumph.
Phrenelith’s ability to balance aggression with atmosphere makes Ashen Womb a standout release in the death metal genre. The album’s raw yet meticulously layered production enhances its impact, immersing the listener in a soundscape that feels both vast and suffocating. At just under 40 minutes, the record leaves a lasting impression without overstaying its welcome, a tight and focused journey through the sound of the apocalypse.
In Ashen Womb, Phrenelith has crafted a harrowing and captivating journey through desolation and chaos. The album solidifies their status as masters of blackened death metal, offering a work that is as immersive as it is punishing. Whether you view it as a warning or a celebration, one thing is certain: Ashen Womb is the sound of the end times and utterly enthralling.
Tracklist:
1) Noemata
2) Astral Larvae
3) A Husk Wrung Dry
4) Lithopaedion
5) Nebulae
6) Stagnated Blood
7) Sphageion
8) Chrysopoeia
9) Ashen Womb
