In UK underground metal circles, Harbinger is a name that seems to have been around for a considerable time. Regular gig-goers will more than likely have come across them (intentionally or not, as welcome as they are) on a festival or support slot at some point. Which makes it surprising that since their inception, only one full-length release has seen the light of day (in addition to a handful of EPs). Perhaps surprisingly in that respect (if not with their own lifespan), this mini-album follow-up to said full-length has shown considerable movement in their sound.

With the addition of vocalist Dilan Alves, replacing Thom Gardener, A Letter To Anguish (Self-Released) sees the band noticeably experiment even over a short duration, offering something different to their deathcore roots. Predominantly there are nods towards a greater crossover appeal although still balanced with their sense of extremity.

The true highlight piece, ‘Guile’ shows a weighty and immediate sense of groove which it balances with their sense of extremity and pace. ‘Hate File’ in comparison adds complexity within its riffs alongside melodic guitar lines. Notably, Alves offers a greater range in the vocals and allows some experimentation through their delivery. Alongside a range of growls of different tempos, the likes of opener ‘Prayer Of Deliverance’ even has some signs of clean singing and a sense of added emotional weight and fragility.

 

Whilst far from bringing innovation to the genre, Harbinger have clearly shown some evolutionary steps within their own range and across a short run of releases. Ultimately, whilst A Letter To Anguish doesn’t provide originality in the wider scale, it importantly offers something cathartic and primally euphoric.

Perfect for when you inevitably catch them again.

 

Buy the album here: https://harbingerriffs.bandcamp.com/album/a-letter-to-anguish

 

7 / 10

CHRIS TIPPELL