Here we have the debut full length offering of Melbourne, Australia-based melodic death metallers Be’lakor entitled The Frail Tide. Though I’m not a huge melodic death metal fan there was something about this effort that caught my interest from the second I put the disc in my stereo and pressed play the first time.

The Frail Tide is equal parts Scandinavian melodic death metal, atmospheric black metal and folk metal. The melodic moments are reminiscent of popular acts such as Dark Tranquility, Opeth, Anathema and Amorphis, while the heavier more up-tempo material has a strong Amon Amarth vibe and the more Celtic-sounding folk segments sound like something out of a Primordial release. Despite all of the melody and softness to a lot of the material, there are still moments where the music is very powerful, reminding me greatly of Slovakia’s Depresy.

The one thing that separates Be’lakor from the rest is their surprisingly good use of pianos and synths which adds another layer to the material. Shockingly, one of the most powerful tracks on the album has no vocals, no drums and no guitars, it’s a six minute long piano and synth piece.

The only real downside to this album is there are a few segments where the material has a very "nu" melodic death metal feel. It’s like meeting the hottest woman in the world and she wants you to fuck her like crazy, but only if you DP her with another guy. I feel like I’ve got a boner for this album but the thought of rubbing balls with another guy is really putting me off of fully being immersed in the material.

As far as melodic death metal goes, Be’lakor’s debut offering is among the best releases in the genre I’ve heard in years. The atmosphere and musicianship are incredible, however there is that something that leaves me feeling like I shouldn’t like this album, like rather than fucking the hot chick with the other guy I’m jacking off in the corner. Those who are more into melodic death metal (and/or rubbing dicks with other men) will have a much greater appreciation for this than I do, and those who dislike melodic death metal (and/or rubbing dicks with other men) will more than likely hate this and call me a faggot for liking it regardless.

Written By: Teufel