HARTLIGHT
The Triumph Of Metal
Kvlt Und Kaos Productions

“The Triumph Of Metal”… not only is this the title of the new HARTLIGHT album, but it is also the wondrous statement that rings true with each note in each song on this fantastic new album. The words, the triumph of metal and their meaning are so multifaceted as it can, on one hand, refer to the power of metal music and how it brings so many people together in a singular love of fist pumping, emotive, powerful music, but also about the alchemical world and all of its interesting rituals and practices. Over the course of the album’s eight tracks, HARTLIGHT reference a book by Basile Valentin, “The Triumphal Chariot Of Antimony”, which is all about the metalloid stone, Antimony, and the belief that this is used in alchemy to produce the Philosopher’s Stone. Fascinating stuff and definitely a bit more science and chemistry than sword and sorcery, but don’t worry, we still get plenty of that in the album.

HARTLIGHT were formed by members from Switzerland and France only 6 years ago and this is their second full length album to go along with an EP and various singles. The new album takes what they started on the previous record, “As Above, So Below”, and ramps it up, goes even further and adds more modern twists to produce a wondrous journey through order and chaos whilst contending with the awesome power of nature, learning from the wisdom of Europe’s alchemists and finishing off in an 11 minute epic all about Tomoe Gozen, an onna-musha (female Samurai) from “The Tale Of The Heike”.

The album starts with a sombre few notes before we are hit with a power chord from an organ, a galloping burst of drums and a rousing call to arms belt by lead vocalist Noémie Marie, as we begin our journey with the title track “The Triumph Of Metal”. It is definitely a sign of all things to come as we get catchy melodies, progressive elements finely mixed with power metal, solos, choirs and chunky riffs galore. “Polymorphia” is up next and this is where the progressive elements shine. The song wouldn’t feel out of place on the new Dream Theater album and for any prog fan, there is no higher praise.

In search of balance, we find ourselves at “The Scales Of Rebis”, a fantastically busy song in the beginning and end with a wonderful change up two thirds of the way in when we fly away on a guitar solo, powered by blast beats and Noémie’s soaring vocals. Awesome stuff.

I must make special mention of the excellent guitar work by the two Adriens (Adrien Djouadou and Adrien Guingal), the tone of the guitars shimmer and sparkle whilst the solos are crisp and sharp and the riffs chunky where needed. Guillaume Remih on the drums runs a tight ship with no beat out of place whilst he takes us on a tour around the entire kit via interesting time signatures, fills and flairs.

“The City Of Tears” is a true stand out track and along with “Mind’s Arboretum” (my favourite track) are a real highlight and show exactly how the band has grown and evolved as musicians and songwriters with how different they are yet still both have the HARTLIGHT sound and sprinkling of magic. The instrumental section in “Mind’s Arboretum” proves this perfectly as the band aren’t shy to just let loose and allow the song to breathe.

Epic closer, “A Song Of Blood And Steel”, is a magnificent ode to a powerful warrior and is a great way to arrive at journeys end. The band let loose here and we are treated to some fantastic performances as everyone gets ample time to shine and flex their talents.

As our journey comes to the end, we are filled with so many mixed emotions. We are sad that it is ending yet joyous for all the things we have learnt and enjoyed along the way. HARTLIGHT have created a gem here, one well worth your time. So pack up your things, grab some rations for the road, hit play and let’s go on the journey again.

Russell Mulock-Bentley