Album Review: Harakiri for the Sky – Scorched Earth

Few bands wield sorrow with the precision and elegance of Harakiri for the Sky. Since their inception in 2011, the Austrian duo has been exploring the darker recesses of human emotion, crafting a distinct blend of post-black metal that marries the unrelenting ferocity of black metal with the melancholic expanses of post-rock. Their sixth album, Scorched Earth, out January 24, 2025, via AOP Records, marks both a continuation and a culmination of their artistic journey. It’s an album that doesn’t just confront despair but invites it to linger, to be studied, and ultimately to transform into something transcendent.

Clocking in at over 100 minutes, it’s a monolithic work, ambitious in both scope and execution. But despite its extensive length, Scorched Earth never exceeds its welcome. Instead, it draws the listener deeper into its world with each track, layering intricate melodies over thunderous rhythms to create a soundscape that’s as enveloping as it is haunting.

The album opens with “Heal Me,” featuring Tim Yatras of Austere. From the first notes, the track establishes the emotional intensity that defines the album. Guitars shimmer and roar in equal measure, alternating between melodic introspection and crushing heaviness. Yatras’ contributions elevate the track, his voice threading seamlessly through the song’s dynamic shifts. A delicate piano motif midway through hints at the album’s willingness to experiment without abandoning its core identity.

“Keep Me Longing,” the album’s longest track at almost 11 minutes, follows with a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. It’s a song that defies time, pulling the listener into its ebb and flow so completely that its length feels inconsequential. Melodic triplets weave through the track, echoing the influence of Alcest or Agalloch, but with a distinctly Harakiri twist. The song’s final moments, where the instrumentation fades to reveal a solitary piano, leave a lingering ache that’s both poignant and oddly comforting.

One of the album’s standout moments comes with “With Autumn I’ll Surrender,” a track that juxtaposes pastoral folk elements with subtle electronic flourishes. Released as the lead single, it’s a microcosm of the album’s strengths: emotionally resonant, richly textured, and unafraid to push boundaries. The song’s folk-metal-inspired interludes provide a grounding contrast to its soaring crescendos, creating a sense of balance that runs through the entire record.

Vocally, J.J. continues to deliver with his signature style—a tortured, almost monotone wail that perfectly complements the music’s emotional heft. While his range remains somewhat narrow, it’s a deliberate choice that underscores the themes of despair and yearning that pervade the album. On “Too Late For Goodbyes,” his vocals are joined by Serena Cherry of Svalbard, whose ethereal delivery adds a layer of dreamlike fragility to the track’s melodic black metal core. The interplay between their voices is a highlight, creating one of the album’s most memorable moments.

Instrumentally, Scorched Earth is a masterclass in texture and dynamics. M.S., the multi-instrumentalist behind the project, balances aggression and beauty with remarkable skill. His guitar work is particularly noteworthy, shifting effortlessly between blistering tremolo riffs and expansive, melodic passages. Drummer Kerim “Krimh” Lechner, a frequent collaborator, delivers a technically precise and emotionally resonant performance, providing the backbone for the album’s intricate compositions.

The album’s penultimate track, a cover of Radiohead’s “Street Spirit (Fade Out),” is a bold choice that pays off. Featuring P.G. of Groza on vocals, the rendition stays true to the haunting essence of the original while infusing it with Harakiri’s characteristic intensity. It’s a fitting inclusion, serving as a moment of reflection before the album’s closer, “Elysian Fields.” This bonus track, featuring Daniel Lang of Backwards Charm, ends the album on a serene, almost meditative note, a rare moment of light amidst the surrounding darkness.

Lyrically, Scorched Earth is as evocative as its title suggests. Themes of loss, betrayal, and existential longing permeate the album, conveyed through poetic, almost cinematic imagery. The track titles alone (“Without You I’m Just a Sad Song,” “I Was Just Another Promise You Couldn’t Keep”) hint at the depth of emotion that lies within.

For all its melancholy, however, the album is not without moments of catharsis. There’s an almost uplifting quality to the way Harakiri for the Sky channel their sorrow into something so achingly beautiful.

Scorched Earth is not an album for casual listening. Its length and emotional intensity demand attention and patience. But for those willing to immerse themselves fully, it’s a deeply rewarding experience, one that cements Harakiri for the Sky’s place at the forefront of the post-black metal genre.

Harakiri for the Sky play Foufounes Électriques with Swallow the Sun and Ghost Bath on February 22nd.

Scorched Earth is out January 24, 2025, via AOP Records

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