Metal has never needed any sort of help when it comes to having an epic sound to only further elevate its undeniable glory. The more extreme ends of the style have never been ashamed to look upon myths and legends to make for powerful experiences whether it be retellings of stories that are known the world over or unique creations that uniquely belong to the bands that craft them as they go along. Given the absolute plethora of potential that’s out there in mythology that’s already established, it makes sense that plenty of bands out there would tackle them for their own takes and own experiences. Foretoken tapped into that with their debut album three years ago, but it’s with their follow-up that they’ve doubled down on the concept with higher levels of power and potency to match in every aspect.
A band like this needs no sort of introduction with their particular craft given how accomplished the members have already become in other bands with their talent only being further honed by the outlet that Foretoken allows them where their other bands travel down different paths. With their debut album of “Ruins”, we were met with a flavorful blend of black metal that was never once afraid to pull from the world of death metal with plenty of symphonic and folk influences to be had in their sound to make for an entrance that was as interesting as it was promising. In every given form, Foretoken has capitalized on that potential to truly allow “Triumphs” to become a beast that exists on an entirely different level. Pulling from various mythologies that stretch from the furthest reaches of both the West and the East, Foretoken manages to make an expansive record with “Triumphs” as we’re able to see how wide and powerful their scope has become in such a short amount of time with their engaging blend of utter intensity of the sort of that truly pulls the listener in deeper while the epics play before our eyes with their horrors, lessons, and grandeur taking on a different light even if we have experienced them a thousand times before. Yet, even if you know every variation of the myths, Foretoken manages to bring us upon their glories with a fresh perspective that is nigh on enthralling to witness right from the beginning with plenty of names out there more than capable of doing a mere retelling, but only bands like this are able to deliver it in such magnificent fashion like what we’re treated to with “Triumphs”.
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve come across an album whose title is the simplest summary of the album itself without really needing any further flair or explanation to drive home its successes. Foretoken could have gone in any direction they damn well have pleased given what they laid forth as a foundation with their debut album, but it’s everything that we see here that we have gotten what has to be considered the most natural progression for the band and its sound. At every turn, “Triumphs” delivers precisely what we could ever ask of it with its power and engagement fitting the stories that it tells with the battlefield the only true setting for the likes of Foretoken.
“Triumphs” releases on March 17th via Prosthetic Records!
LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Triumphs” on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Foretoken on Facebook here.
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