Horda - Form
Who is Horda?
From Poland, Carnage (Bass) Motus (Drums) Deimos (Lead Guitar) ForestVocals (2019-present) Lycain (Rhythm Guitar)
Prior Release
FORM
With so much music being released, it is the little things, the deft nuances, the attention to detail or the passion that edges an extreme metal release above the rest. It is exciting to discover the gems amongst the stones. The moment that Form becomes killer comes early, precisely at 4.26 minutes into the second song, Ceremony - it lasts just 13 seconds – a curdling scream that has more vitality and potency than most generic metal bands can muster in an entire career. The scream is preceded by an ominous build, led by the guitar which gathers anticipation until that moment. The whole section is isolated, showing clever mastering as the following song, Shrine Within, begins with an atmospheric soundscape for 45 seconds before its own onslaught.
For a band on their second full length, Horda show maturity by balancing dynamics – the angular crunchy reverb driven guitar and frenetic drumming on Exile coupled with the clean acoustic passage that opens Worthless is what makes the album captivating and increases its replay value.
Reverb is certainly Horda’s friend, and the production suits the mood that has been bottled up since 2020’s Obsession. The pronounced bass on Worthless showcases the attention to detail and willingness to allow each element to push forward a tone, a dynamic, or a shade that requires exploring. Form is a step forward for Horda in every conceivable way, the confidence levels have grown immensely.
Scierwo Rodzaju is the longest song, and it begins with an introduction of choir church like vocals and a tremolo that would not sound out of place on Ultha’s latest album, the incredible All that has Never Been True. Blast beats then enter to pound the senses some more, and the drum production deserves a special mention – it feels as though they are playing right in front of you, and you can picture the expressions on their face. The song then breathes a little with another never heard before guitar dynamic, and cymbal work that allows the listener to peer through the veneer into Horda’s psyche. The Tremelo guitar part and blasts are revisited before the guitar leads a soul opening last 3 minutes that packs some serious punch, with a surprise violin ending. What a way to end one of the finest examples of modern black metal that you will hear all year – of any year.
Form is catchy, raw and packed with emotion and energy while being balanced with dynamics that takes decades for most to achieve let alone master. This will be difficult to remove from the killer list!