Binding of the Spirit

Although ‘Binding of the Spirit’ would be the bands last release before major line-up changes, it would set the precedence for the future as Throes of Dawn began to move their sound away from their rawer and harsher beginnings onto a more emotional dark metal style. The album is set in motion by gloomy, drawn out synths back dropped by thumping drums that really set the despairing mood, only to be interrupted by the crashing of the guitars and deathly screams. ‘The Last Rainbow Warrior Is Dead’ provides a perfect summary of the band and highlights the almost doom-like quality to their metal supported by lyrics concerned with the deeper and darker aspects of the human psyche such as solitude, broken dreams and despair. The overall aura is reinforced by the use of clean guitar throughout the album, helping to slow the pace down with sombre effect and underlined by the use of soaring synths and vocals that sound like they’re sung with the singers dying breathes, as demonstrated in ‘Binding of the Spirit onto Earth’.


Only once is there any suggestion of the pace picking up within ‘The Wanderer’ though it doesn’t last for too long, but it is a welcome change nevertheless, offering some variety. Though slower parts feature right through the album ‘On Broken Wings of Despair’ takes it to greater lengths lasting almost the whole song, linked together with a melancholic piano piece as well as clean, sullen vocals juxtaposed against the deathly screams to really create a fitting atmosphere that defines this release. However, this is only for it to be brought towards a dramatic close by the instrumental ‘Stardestroyer’, ending this hopeless struggle within the mind.


The production fits the album perfectly, everything seemingly in pleasant balance and clear but not overly polished. Weaving in and out as well as carrying the songs; the synths never seem intrusive but just simply beautiful and full of melody, a calming yet melancholic influence. In keeping with the atmosphere, the guitar work is often mid-paced and dragged out but with a slight progressive touch, and the same can be said about drumming – never outstanding but fitting in perfectly with the music. It is also worth commenting on the striking artwork within the booklet that seems so fitting to the darker lyrical content, the general aesthetic of it all conjuring up images of a doomed future. Throes of Dawn have created an impressive and emotionally provoking album, atmospheric throughout allowing you to drift away in it all but never losing your attention.