Hailing from Italy, BLAZE OF SORROW was born ten years ago as a musical vessel to deliver themes of sorrow and self-reflection through nature-inspired black metal with a number of folk influences. Masterminded by multi-instrumentalist Peter, after several demos they quickly caught the attention of the underground with their self-released L'ultimo Respiro debut albums, a record steeped in an ambience of despair and longing. Since then, Peter has continued to fashion BLAZE OF SORROW's unique approach to atmosphere across a further three full-length albums - fusing the essence of the night sky and the tranquillity of the wilderness with outpourings of pure anguish, the band has distilled their own instantly-recognizable sound to increasing effect throughout their career. And so in 2017, it almost feels like destiny that to mark a decade of existence, BLAZE OF SORROW set to release their fifth album. Astri is a fitting tribute to what the band has achieved so far in their career as well as offering a further development of their sound. Delicate acoustic guitars and sibilant, whispered vocals are contrasted with raging chords and furious percussion (courtesy of long-standing drummer N) to deliver a truly immersive and atmospheric experience. Taking cues from legendary acts such as AGALLOCH and KATATONIA, BLAZE OF SORROW paint paeans to melancholy on waves of searing melody in a beguiling blend of dark folk and raging extreme metal. The encroaching autumnal twilight and desolate lamentations to the lost are what BLAZE OF SORROW call home - and they invite you to join them.
