Perhaps it’s a case of familiarity breeding contempt, but once that opening trio is out of the way, proceedings begin to loosen up. It may simply be that the songs are just better, richer, more ambitious compositions, like the chest-beating Aching Wings and the striding Fall Apart, confidently vying for their own space and place. Whatever the reason, it comes as a welcome relief and an even more welcome surprise. The problem then, of course, is that when the going is this good, you resent Towards The Dying Lands clocking in at less than 40 minutes. Next time around, then, let’s hope Horizon Ignited get out of the blocks quicker and stick around longer.
Verdict: 3/5
For fans of: In Flames, Insomnium, Soilwork
Towards The Dying Lands is released on July 1 via Nuclear Blast