A sizzling mix of metal and folk.
Earlier this month, Swedish metal band Tungsten released their album, Ashes. The top-notch instrumentation and vocal performances show off how bold the band’s music has become since entering the power metal scene. Tungsten’s musical chemistry is palpable. Each song has an intense passion to it that makes it impossible to turn off. The track “Bite My Tongue” especially heightens the album’s addictive quality with its techno-dance style. The album is dynamic, dazzling and dauntless.
“Fuego del Sol” brings in elements of Latin American dance music with a killer opening that almost sounds like it belongs on a different album. As it continues to play, jarring guitar riffs madden listeners as synths and choruses weave an intense musical texture.
Guitarist Nick Johansson delivers some gnarly solos on “Bite My Tongue” and “Ted the Exorcist,” maintaining the album’s metal integrity and ensuring it doesn’t veer too far into power-pop territory.
“The North Will Rise” opens with an electrifying opening riff, then fortifies itself with its vivacious energy and guest vocals from Sonata Arctica’s Tony Kakko. What begins as a silly song bordering on educational as Kakko lists northern European countries turns into a rousing call for those countries to unite in defense against a common foe.
Ashes proves the band is not afraid to throw in a little humor to their music. “Joker” introduces some yodeling in the background, shaking things up from the album’s previous intensity. This Swiss influence continues to shine through on the light and breezy “Supernova.” Cuckoo clocks decorate the track with no explanation other than the assumption that the band must’ve thought it added important depth to the tune. The aforementioned “Ted the Exorcist” has comical lyrics such as “Ted the Exorcist/he showers the world in piss,” making the song sound as if it was made for a comedy show rather than a serious album. These bits of humor, along with various folk instrumentals, allow Ashes a tremendous amount of variety, keeping listeners thoroughly engaged.
“Sunshine of Fall” leans back into power pop, whereas “For Thee” plays around with flutes and pipes, adding a Celtic flair to the record. Ashes is full of surprises, a new one waiting around every corner. This is one of those albums that only gets better every time you press play. A true success from Tungsten.
