What I love about Hells Headbangers is their willingness, and really their ability to put out niche records that don't really make sense on any other label. Light The Candle In Honour Of Devils is a great example of this. Vaultwraith very much eal in a highly specific breed of underground black metal. They are a band who unleash hell through melodic bass playing and tributes to late 80s extreme metal that don't often seem to come roaring out of my speakers at least. It makes for compelling listening.
There is more to this though. Vaultwraith also impress because of their clear passion for King Diamond and Candlemass. They embrace the nerdy guitar solo and the melodic lead. There are guitar harmonies and moments of true bombast. The band has gone above and beyond many of their peers in the underground to craft a record that, while it may be a bit navel gazing, also feels distinctly 2019. Sure the approach is atavistic, but it is only with hindsight that the band has been able to unleash a record that is profound in its execution and clear in the overarching understanding of extreme metal that it brings to the table.
This all being said, in some ways, Light The Candle In Honour Of Devils is too raw. I'm not totally sold on the lo fi production, nor do I especially care for the guitar and bass tone. While I appreciate what the band is trying to do here, the execution isn't always where it needs to be. Yes it is a charming approach, but I don't know if it's an approach that I completely get. Still - if you like late 80s extreme metal, King Diamond, Usurper and all that twisted shit, then you are definitely going to find something to love in this.
Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/vaultwraith/
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