Dei Umbrae are a doom- symphonic metal band from Athens in Greece and Archangel is their latest album, released on 17/03/2023.

At just over 40 minutes in length, the album consists of eight tracks of beautifully crafted and dark doom and symphonic metal.

The guitars are heavy, with melodic riffs coming at you from all angles. Slight distortion has been used, but there is also clean guitar work and the combination of both really does make a great sound for the listener. The solos are superbly carried out, highlighting the talent of the guitar player.

The drumming is energetic, with crashing cymbals and pounding bass drums and the bass lines are heavy and really keep the tracks together.

The album has lots of pace changes, not just from one song to the next, but also during each track and this really keeps the listener always engaged with the music.

Vocally, this album seems to have it all. Clean vocals are mixed with death metal growls, creating a contrast between the two. Female vocals are also used as a contrast to the searing male vocals, which are strong and powerful, yet have a slight quirkiness to them which really makes them stand out. Spoken word is also used at times throughout the album and this generates different atmospheres at different points.

Orchestral arrangements are also used throughout this album and combined with the raw guitars and drum work, this builds the atmospheric nature of the music really well, taking the listener on a thrilling journey.

The album is full emotion, energy, and passion and, I think, will appeal to listeners of all backgrounds. Please check the band and their music out and see for yourself the talent and professionalism of this great band.

Awesome job!

Track Listing:

1) Inner Compass

2) Fighting For A Crown

3) Fame (feat Marialena Trikoglou)

4) Archangel

5) Sirens

6) Throe (feat Sevi Spanou)

7) Awaiting

8) Unexpected

Photo Credit: Sevi Spanou

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum