Return of melodic masters

Birthed from the coalition of Type O Negative and Seventh Void talents, A Pale Horse Named Death carries the weight of expectation placed upon any industry veteran. In 2018, the band piled onto their audience’s already high anticipations by recruiting previous members of Lita Ford, Doro Pesch and Core Glover.  The change was much needed, as it allowed the Brooklyn outfit to finally deliver on their first release in six years—When the World Becomes Undone.

Four of the thirteen tracks on this record are dedicated to abeyant pieces, two of which are intended to open and close the record. Often lyric-less intros indicate a concept album, but if there is a storyline here, it’s unclear. The final song on the record that precedes the outro, “Dreams of the End,” is a beautifully composed retrospective track that would’ve offered a more impactful end. As seen in their previous two albums’ final tracks, “Die Alone” and “Cold Dark Mourning,” APHND isn’t foreign to the concept of a powerful closer.

Though APHND isn’t known for lengthy releases, after over a half a decade of waiting, their fans deserved—and most likely were hoping for—more than nine songs. However, what they’re lacking in quantity, they make up for in duration and quality. When the World Becomes Undone boasts tracks as long as seven minutes, with the shortest song coming in at just under four.

Speaking of that four-minute track, “Love the Ones You Hate” is easily one of the most memorable songs on this release due to the fact it’s the first song on the record to allow the guitarists to flex their muscles. As you listen on, you’ll get a chance to witness Joe Taylor’s and Eddie Heedles’ talents shine, particularly in “Fell in My Hole” and “End of Days.”

There isn’t an overdose of intense guitar solos, due in part to the slow descent in tempo. The album begins at anger’s end and progresses into a suicidal hymn—intentional design on frontman Sal Abruscato’s part. Depression and animosity act as the main themes, coming to a crossroad in “Splinters.” This track hasn’t garnered as much attention as others upon the album’s initial release but is sure to become one of the band’s hidden gems.

When the World Becomes Undone acted as a vehicle for Abruscato to spill his past plights out on a page and, in turn, resulted in the creation of melodic metal lovers’ ideal album. With a now active tour schedule and a refreshed line-up, A Pale Horse Named Death is guaranteed longevity and continued growth.