'In the Ashes' is the brilliant debut album from Swedish heavy rock and metal merchants TEMPLE OF DISCORD, led by Wytch guitarist Mattias Marklund. Dark and brooding, yet radiant with multifaceted appeal, 'In The Ashes' explores a wide range of genres including classic heavy metal, alternative rock and grunge, dark folk, and progressive rock. Marklund's vocals are intense and heartfelt, taking the instrumentation into uncharted emotional territories while constantly hovering on the brink of peaking. From intense riff-driven bursts to semi-acoustic breaks, this album provides a gripping and unique experience for anyone who listens. 'In The Ashes' is a dark exploration of the human psyche, mortality, and existential dread. The album delves into themes of death, self-destruction, and the chaos of inner demons, exploring the inevitability of mortality ("The Reaper"), the consuming nature of obsessive love ("Closer," "Black Out the Sun"), and the despair of self-inflicted grief ("Razor Me"), while also confronting the guilt and repercussions of violence ("The Fields"), and the search for identity amidst self-loathing ("Someone Else"). In its closing tracks, the album critiques societal deception ("All Their Lies") and reflects on personal downfall and alienation ("Rails"). As frontman Mattias Marklund states, "The album paints a bleak, introspective portrait of loss, turmoil, and the longing for understanding in an uncaring world. But I consider myself a happy person, I promise."
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