Review
Harakiri for the Sky delivers once again an unmatched sonic experience with Scorched Earth, their brand-new album, out on the 24th of January through AOP Records. With only two core members, M.S. and J.J., the band reaches an unbelievable emotional bond. This connection between the two members allows their creative vision to be explored to its furthest extent, inviting us into their deepest fears, emotions, and feelings. While there are some recurring choruses, the album thrives within the continuous and unique build-ups, bridges, and verses. It creates an organic flow between each song, begging you not to detach any song from the previous one.
This is not a record you’d split into tracks to throw into a playlist; it’s a unified piece that needs to be listened to from start to end. The involvement of multiple musicians from across the post-metal genres only adds to Harakiri for the Sky’s stance as pioneers of the genre. The multiple features from other iconic artists of the genre come in and complement the album in such a lovely way, subtly influencing the tracks while maintaining that raw emotional feel.
Track Highlights
While this album should be listened to in its entirety, some tracks still require some special attention. Firstly, ‘Heal Me’, the opening track of the album. Tim Yatras’ presence is subtle but strong, bringing those heavily emotional building blocks from DSBM and fusing them with the iconic ethereal melodies the Austrian duo has gotten us used to. The whole album’s mix and master are incredibly refined, softly layering vocals and pianos on top of M.S.’s instrumentation.
Another track that deserves a highlight is ‘Without You I’m Just A Sad Song’. The soft, celesta-like intro driving us straight into the whole song is enough to give goosebumps. Once again, every element—melody, lyrics, and atmosphere—perfectly plays into itself. It’s one of Scorched Earth’s best tracks, taking the iconic sound of Harakiri for the Sky to new heights.
‘With Autumn I’ll Surrender’ also deserves its highlight, perfectly chosen as the album’s first single. It serves as the perfect introduction to the themes, sound, and emotional intensity to be expected on the album. The lyrics deserve to be pointed out, hitting like a goddamn truck. It perfectly describes that blurred line depression makes you walk between sweet elation and profound sadness.
Lastly, ‘Too Late For Goodbyes, the second-to-last track of the album, featuring Svalbard’s Serena Cherry. Hearing her on the album is such a treat, especially following their recent tour in support of Alcest. Together with ‘Heal Me’, this track cements Harakiri for the Sky as some sort of catalyst for the genre, constantly bringing members from other bands as guests. The list is too long, but we’ve already seen Neige from Alcest, Guilherme Henriques of Gaerea, Bernth, and many more genre-defining and genre-defying artists.
Conclusion
Harakiri for the Sky has crafted an emotional journey heavy in intensity and introspection. The combination of the two masterminds behind this release sets this record apart, demanding your attention and offering in exchange an immersive 1h06 of pure emotion. With its stunning collaborations and heart-wrenching melodies, it cements the band as one of the clear spearheads of the post-metal scene. A statement of artistic vision and emotional freedom.