Horde, The - From Empire to Ashes (2008)^{Release ID: 23051}

Had I not stumbled across the artwork on this album via the Gallery on this site I would have missed out entirely on the existence of US speed/thrash/traditional heavy-metallers The Horde.  In what feels like a very short career the band only managed two releases, with From Empire to Ashes being classed as an EP (albeit more of a mini-album arguably).  Their equally well-adorned full-length release came three years after this with the four piece disbanding altogether in 2014.

I think it is fair to say that whilst not terrible, From Empire to Ashes does not live up to the promise of the artwork (check out Alan Lathwell’s work across various albums over the years btw).  Whilst it doesn’t reinvent any wheels, there’s enough nods to the likes of Cirith Ungol and The Lord Weird Slough Feg to keep that traditional heavy-metal feel alive through the more the thrashy/speed metal elements of the sound, with the band not afraid to slow the pace right down when required also.  It falls down really only on it being just a tad too chaotic at times, not helped by a less than perfect production job that although keeps some cult authenticity to proceedings does just sit on the wrong side of stifling.

The drums feel particularly disadvantaged in the mix, sat just that bit too far back with the vocals also seeming to be a bit muffled in there also.  There’s nothing wrong with the actual performance of either, the blackened sneers of Duncan are perfectly appropriate to the direction of the tracks if I am honest.  It is just a shame that all the component parts don’t get to shine in equal amounts really.  What the mix/production quality does do however is allow the guitars to really drive things forward.  They are competently played by both Derek and Tim with solid riffing and effective lead work both being utilised well when appropriate.

Whilst the EP/min-album won’t get masses of rotation here it will still retain a spot in the music library for the odd spin alongside the likes of Hobb’s Angel of Death, Midnight, Venom as well as the aforementioned Lord Weird Slough Feg also.  Neat find via Metal Academy number 77.