On Thorns I Lay - On Thorns I Lay (2023)

Slowly inching their way to a bigger label like Season of Mist, today we have one of the best Greek Death/Doom Metal bands: On Thorns I lay. Unleashing their eponymous release, the band’s 10th full-length effort has them delivering a dark and cohesive sound that is heavier and more sinister than their earlier efforts (“Orama”, “Angeldust”), still features the band’s signature approach to the genre.

Opening with the punishing “Fallen from Grace”, the band delivers a good mix of atmosphere and incisive guitar riffs. The band’s sound is heavy, like really heavy, with a certain Septicflesh vibe to it on most tracks, particularly the longer ones like the opener, “Crestfallen”, and “Among The Wolves”. However, the band’s signature sound can still be heard on pieces like “Newborn Skies” and “Raise Empires” that have the melancholic riffing alongside crafty keyboards.

Our favorite part of the band’s sound has to be the weeping lead guitars of songs like “Raise Empires”. They set a very melancholic vibe that only a handful of bands pull-off, and these guys have been refining for almost 30 years. Since the band’s return in 2015 with “Eternal Silence”, they have been regaining form and adapting their sound to more modern ways, with tracks like “Thorns of Fire” being the perfect example of this.

As a whole, this eponymous release showcases a very polished and powerful sound from a band that was way ahead of their time during their earlier days. Maturing into their age and with the addition of new members since their return, they have revived their path and remain relevant and leading in this genre. If you are looking for powerful Death/Doom Metal with tons of atmosphere, melancholy, this is as good as it gets in 2023.

Label: Season of Mist

Release: October 13th, 2023

Genre: Melodic Death/Doom Metal

Country: Greece