For all its pomp and grandeur, upside down crosses and corpse-paint; Black Metal is quite a conservative sub-genre. Rules and regulations are often laid out and adhered to with (anti?) religious fervour and bone headed racist views often excused due to perceived musical merit. In recent years a handful of names have entered the darkness simultaneously holding up a mirror to the music and culture that many of us love and offering a new take. One that claims to embrace the belief in freedom that birthed rock music at its nascent beginnings and also the need to champion the true underdogs of the world without looking for a down punching scapegoat. One such group is the Liverpudlian trio Dawn Ray’d. Their debut album “The Unlawful Assembly” caused quite a stir in 2017 when it was released. There was a furore as left leaning punks who had ignored metal for decades sought to herald the band and the like-minded Underdark whilst many of those who would otherwise have enjoyed the music began to look for “Antifa” conspiracies and censorship amongst its vinyl grooves. Political debate had returned to extreme music and the internet went wild for five minutes.
The question was – could the band sustain the 5 minutes of minor fame?
The answer in my mind is yes. Dawn Ray’d are not about witty and clever anti NSBM titles and 30 second blasts. (I love Gaylord and Neckbeard Deathcamp by the way) . These guys weave folk instruments and intricate story telling throughout their songs whilst also giving some good old Necro nastiness for those that will not be drawn in by tales of the Kronstadt uprising at first listen.
Opening with the haunting strings of “Raise the Flails” – “It’s time for new tales of resistance!”. The hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention as “The Smell of Ancient Dust” thunders through my speakers. This is not music of demons and death this is the music of wheeltappers and shunters. Of working people rising up to protest at their treatment. Hopeful anger sweats from every pore.
“Like Smoke Into Fog” is another punky black metal cry punctuated by folk sections that hark back to the time of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. The production is crystal clear on this record. Each note hits home and each drum beat whether it be a blast or a folky paradiddle resonates cleanly. Simon B’s violins are high in the mix and act as an incendiary device for Fabian and Matthew’s explosive guitar and drums. His vocals are coarse and passionate whilst remaining discernible allowing the message of class war and hope to be conveyed to the listener.
The aforementioned Russian historical events of Kronstadt when Sailors and ordinary men and women rose up against Lenin’s Bolsheviks are commemorated in “To all, To all, To all”. Whilst the uprising ostensibly failed the brave acts of the people led to changes in economic policy that eased the life of ordinary Russians. At a time when people are taking to the streets the world over in often futile protests this is certainly pertinent today.
“A Time for courage at the Borderlands” is a song of solidarity for those who brave the seas for a better life only to face persecution in the countries in which they seek salvation. For a band who appear at first to be rooted in the past Dawn Ray’d are very much of the here and now. “Can you imagine the horror of a fence they won’t let you through? Another country refusing help. What if that was you?”
“Songs in the Key of Compromise” tackles the hollow blasphemy of many of their BM peers and their outrage at the rise of more revolutionary ideas within the genre. They give them short shrift and spit their utter contempt at the so called rebels who “.. cry moral outrage and stand in defence of governance”.
“Until the Forge Goes Cold” is a workers call to arms to rise up against fascism and those that would “fuck the earth”. It’s angry with thunderous drums and is rousing enough to touch the heart of many a young firebrand. Just as music has always been.
Even the most ardent revolutionary needs a breather and “A Stone’s Throw “offers a brief gasping rest between the lines. A haunting folk song of just two stanzas with lilting strings and mesmerising vocal melodies still conveying a message of wilful rebellion and anger. Simon’s violins playing reminds me of Ed Alleyne- Johnson on New Model Army’s classic Thunder and Consolation. Soaringly heartbreaking and invigorating in equal measure.
“Soon Will be the Age of Lessons Learned” is a Doom/Death epitaph for the dying earth. Bombastic and crushing, all subtlety is lost beneath the destruction of the planet is wrought in sonic metal.
So after such destruction the regretful lament that is “Salvation Rite”. Mournful guitars are overlaid by strings and the eulogy of a broken planet is given in blastbeat and anger. (this album is not one for climate change deniers – you may have guessed that). The change from fury to sorrow at the end is the often seen reaction of those trying to effect change.
“The Curse, The dappled Light” ends the album and on this Dawn Ray’d appear to show that they realise that they are fighting against a fierce tide of politicians offering false succour to a beaten down and disinterested people. They recognise that the chance of success is scant but swear to “Never lie in cowards graves”.
At 46 I am probably a little too old to be given a kick up the arse by some revolutionary music but just as they did in 2017 these guys have reminded why I do what I do in my daily life and why people still need to get angry. Subhumans, Minor Threat, Flux of Pink Indians, Youth of Today, Crass and Dawn Ray’d. Information not procrastination.
(9/10 Matt Mason)
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