Year: 2020
Total Time: 47:70
Label: Century Media

When ASPHYX were disbanded back in 1996, two of their members decided to continue as SOULBURN by releasing two years later their awesome debut “Feeding On Angels”. The band then entered into an inactive long period, to return in 2014 with the album “The Suffocating Darkness”. Afterwards they became more active by releasing “Earthless Pagan Spirit” in 2016 and the EP “Carpe Noctem” in 2018. So, this year SOULBURN returned with their new album “Noa’s D’ark”, having Eric Daniels as the only original member.

The Dutch’s sound is a Death/Doom Metal torrent with Black Metal influences (mainly from HELLHAMMER and BATHORY), which is marching onwards with its raw character. The compositions move mainly in mid-tempo rhythms with some fast outbursts in a dark atmosphere, which will “test” the listener’s nervous system. SOULBURN’s rhythm section creates a sound wall with the bass being at the front of the mix, contributing to the creation of a “muddy” atmosphere and a “primitive” sound, while the guitars create a “moody” feeling with their slow riffs. Notable is the vocal performance of Twan van Geel, whose voice sounds as a heavier combination of Max Cavalera and Tom G Warrior.

SOULBURN’s new album is their best release till now, since their amazing debut of 1998 and certainly one of this year’s extreme metal releases that will stand out. The Dutch put Death, Black and Doom Metal in the mixer, presenting us an aggressive outburst with rotten production, dressed in an old-fashioned atmosphere having also an ASPHYX’s touch in the final outcome.

Rating: 7/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: SOULBURN – Facebook Page