Since their 2023 EP “Rites and Curses”, MORAX had left the arcane heavy metal audience with high expectations, with their unique approach on the genre. After several listens, I think it’s safe to say their full – length debut will supersede said expectations for most!
“The Amulet” feels like a natural continuation of where the one man band from Norway left off, but everything from the production to the song writing is stepped up. Remi A. Nigår’s extreme metal origins and influences, as a proud descendant of the notorious Norwegian metal scene, are evident throughout the record. The atmosphere created is dark and brooding, but still musically well within the confines of heavy metal.
Remi’s melancholic vocals complement this vision perfectly and only serve to enhance this darkness. MORAX however are not only influenced by the extreme, as the whole album definitely bears homage to old school heavy metal. This blend of influences combined with the inherent heavy emotionality of the music is especially celebrated in the second track of the album, “A Thousand Names”, which is also the first single released for this album, and the eight minute epic, “Seven Pierced Hearts”, the longest track of the debut, following straight after it. The latter also happens to be the favorite of yours truly. MORAX’ debut is not one of those albums that fall off towards the end either. The closing song, “The Descent“, could just as easily have been an album opener or a single release in my eyes.
The CD pressing of the album also includes a treat for the fans, as it contains the entirety of “Rites and Curses” as bonus tracks!
MORAX – The Amulet will be released by High Roller Records on February 21st 2025 on CD, vinyl and cassette format, as well as digitally.
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Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
