Soulburn - Noa's D'arc

​

Being an artist myself, listening to any kind of metal I always look for good, clever and solid songwriting, both musically and lyrically. I have to be honest and tell you that I haven't heard of Soulburn before but man what a suprise this is! It's dark, murky, cavernous and at the same time beautiful and even melodic at some times.

 

I'm not going to say this is an absolute masterpiece but their new full-length album "Noa's D'ark" is pretty close to reaching that mark in my list. Now before we go any further I have to mention that this particular sub-genre is my go-to choice the last couple of months so I might be some what enthusiastic about this one.

​

Soulburn is a long running band founded in 1996 by Eric Daniels. After two years of crafting their style they released their debut album "Feeding on angels" through Century media records. Now, many years later, with a fresh line-up and Eric as the sole original member, they present to us Noa's D'ark.

​

Although I am not really a fan of putting bands in any particular corner, Soulburn's style is best described as death/black/doom metal.

A good story told is a must when it comes to making a record that sticks. And by that I don't just mean writing good lyrics but also creating music that is able to drag you through all kinds of feelings and emotions.

​

The first track "The morgue of hope" has one of the most well built up and fluid intro's I've ever heard and with 7:18 on the clock, this is the longest track on the album. A true gem if you ask me! It's got almost everything this band has to offer in one epic song. What a way to kick of a record. "Anarchrist" and "Triumphant one" have alot of doom influence, strongly reminding me of Hooded menace. With emotionaly heavy riffs and a simple but great sounding lead sections, these are definitely some of my favorite tracks on the album.

​

Production wise this record sounds just the way it should be. With ripping guitars, punching drums, agonized and angry vocals, a nice cavernous echo to it and nothing to overpowering you can say that the production is surely well done.

Overall "Noa's D'ark" is an unexpected plesant suprise that, to me really stands out amongst the dutch releases in 2020. If you are into bands such as, Hooded Menace, Krypts and Void rot, Soulburn definitely earns a place in your collection!

​

Score: 8/10