Review: Battle Path – Ambedo

It would seem that Battle Path like to add an air of mystery to their already mysterious past. It is unclear who ‘Chris’ is or what he does within the confines of the band, although it is safe to say they have been together with only one line-up change since 2011. They have released 3 full length albums since that time, the first being Storm and Stress, Emperic 2012 and now Ambedo!

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The term ‘experimental’ always makes me think anything goes here, but it allows a band to be free spirits and almost always unpredictable, so here goes:

The first track ‘Raging Host’ starts with a definitive doom sound that just ambles, be it with plenty of ambiance, it does build slowly and precisely with imaginative synth and then explodes with a certain magic that turns fever pitch. The vocals are phenomenal and backed up with a tirade of blackened magic – don’t be fooled by the slowness at the beginning it creeps up behind you and smashes you over the skull – be warned!

‘A Thirst for Blood’ is up next and after the last track pretty excited about this one. The synth is very active here as it turns into another deep and heavy rumble, everything feels very organic and then it hits you right in the gut as it reaches a peak. Again vocally sound, with slices of rhythms that pound every which way. Not disappointing at all!

The bands title track ‘Ambedo’ is next and gives way to some very interesting sound effects that turn sinister and brood with bucket loads of black ambiance. Persistently immersing the listener with rich experimental fusions and emotionally infectious vibes. This is one track that simply haunts, giving out a soft melody that although slow and meandering just keeps getting better as the track progresses.

‘Ascension’ gives way to a brisk synth that scours the depths and so precisely executed. It simply drips with emotion and feeling. As the drama continues on this ten minute and three second long track, you can feel the intensity grow as it stalks with a caustic tongue that abrasively licks the ears and is all out infectious and haunting.

‘Deep Wounds’ is a rousing track from the very beginning giving the guitars a chance to shine amid some niggly sound effects with highly serrated edges. Here the experimental side comes out to play on this longer track at 10.50. The heaviness grows to such an extent it wraps itself around the audial and tightens its grip.

‘Finis Omnium’ is where the band finally let rip and become free spirits. Their sound has changed dramatically on the final track, coaxing, and festering their insane sound to reach a point of no return. The textures are riveting and appealing, and totally not what I was expecting – this is magical.