A new journey in the depths of the human mind – review of “Gates of Hell” by The Harbinger

Since winter is approaching, who’s in the mood for some good ol’ death doom metal? Anyone? Well, if you, reader, are interested, keep on reading. Because The Harbinger, formed by five Finnish gentlemen, are about to unleash something that can be a very good company in the coldest days of the year. “Gates of Hell” will be out on December 12th, so it’s sort of a long way to go still, but it will be worth.

Pasi Kanerva on vocals can give the other death metal vocalists a good run for their money, and when he alternates between clean vocals too, that’s when he’s got possession of my heart. Yes, it’s that easy. But I mean, who can resist such a versatile vocalist? The rhythmic section composed by Arto Kujala and Sami Karhu on guitars, and Lauri Korhonen on bass, is solid and capable. Aku Rundberg’s drums are more doom than death, but that’s not a complaint at all!

While the production, mixing and mastering seem to be done in a very raw and primal way, the listening experience is enjoyable and it keeps you focused more on the meaning of the songs rather than everything else. That is, to my personal taste, the main thing I would improve. “Sleepless“, already released as a single, is the best track of the EP with the closing suite “Glass Walls“.

In conclusion, the talent and the potential are there. I’m confident that The Harbinger will go on to accomplish many great things. The road is clear, all they have to do is walk it. The union of death and doom metal is not something new, but this band has the ability to take it to a new level, and “Gates of Hell” is definitive proof.

Tracklist:

1. Sleepless
2. Fading Lines
3. Bleak Salvation
4. Hollow
5. Glass Walls