Ukrainian blackened death/doom metal outfit 1914 return to conquer a solid status in the metal scene with the new crushing full-length “Where Fear And Weapons Meet” lyrically centered on the gruesome tales of World War I.
“FN .380 ACP#19074” immediately manifests a dramatic depth through solemn orchestrations and sober melodic accents that successfully enrich the hostile rhythmic core fueled by unrestrained drumming and fiery blackened guitar progressions.
The theatrical symphonic arrangements of “Pillars of Fire (The Battle of Messines)” introduce a monolithic rhythmic ensemble yet the constant tremolo and the gelid doom tonalities ultimately lead to contemplative slower passages.
Throughout “Don’t Tread on Me (Harlem Hellfighters)” the rhythmic march seems unstoppable acquiring speed and brutality to create massive grooves amplified by the ruthless growls yet the guitar leads deliver mournful harmonies during the finale.
Featuring majestic vocals courtesy of Nick Holmes of legendary Paradise Lost “…And a Cross Now Marks His Place” emphasizes the presence of gloomy doom elements through the slower ominous guitar progressions but the untamed riffage can lead to rather aggressive rhythmic patterns.
“Corps d’autos-canons-mitrailleuses (A.C.M)” relies on the sombre tones of the elegant orchestrations which provide a sumptuous background for an intense rhythmic onslaught while the lead guitar work creates poignant melodic tapestries.
Within a pitchblack sonic realm “Mit Gott für König und Vaterland” hits you in the face with violent rhythmic blasts dictated by the belligerent drumming and the soaring guitar riffs eventually lead to a particularly charismatic solo.
1914 analyze historical events, tell horrific stories and celebrate heroism throughout “Where Fear And Weapons Meet” channeling the primal force of extreme metal entwined with a symphonic grandeur to create monumental soundscapes.