Saturday 1 February 2020

FRAYLE - 1692 (Album Review)


Release date: February 14th 2020. Label: Aqualamb Records / Lay Bare Recordings. Format: Cassette/CD/DD/Viny.

Frayle - Tracklisting

1.Introduction (Arise)
2.1692
3.God of No Faith
4.Monsters
5.Darker Than Black
6.Dead Inside
7.Burn
8.Godless
9.If You Stay
10.Stab

Members

Sean Bilovecky
Gwyn Strang
Eric Mzik
Pat Ginley
Ellliot Rosen

Review

Frayle burst upon the scene back in 2018 with their debut EP – The White Witch – and the whole Doom/Stoner Rock world went slightly crazy over this hugely talented duo. A couple of singles followed alongside another critically acclaimed EP - Dead Witch – which received further acclaim for the band. Now Frayle are back with their eagerly anticipated debut full length – 1692.

The album is named after when the infamous and horrific Salem Witch Trials happened and Lead Vocalist Gwyn Strang said this about the album - “1692', as the title of our album, references those who have been singled out and persecuted for their beliefs, We strive to create a safe haven. A place to be vulnerable amongst the chaos.”

1692 is a stunning journey into the dark world of Frayle and sees the band develop their sound on a more personal and emotional level with strands of Doom Metal, Occult Rock, Post-Rock and Stoner Rock with Gothic sensibilities. The band never shy away exploring many different creative musical avenues on this album and it makes for a more haunting and progressive journey.

The songs all flow perfectly together with Frayle playing a blend of Heavy Grooves and Sultry vocals from Gwyn. The band feel more mature and grown-up on this album. As they have more time to explore their creative passion and play some epic progressive sounds that leave little to the imagination.

1692 in many ways feels and plays along like a classic “Concept Album” with songs such as 1692, God Of No Faith, Monsters and Darker Than Black setting up the scene for an intriguing story with lush vocals and intelligent lyrics to match. The music more than matches the dark tone of Gwyn’s vocals and allows the album to stand as a highly original listen from start to finish.

The second half of the album carries on the dark story but Frayle also offer moments of Hope and Belonging with euphoric Post-Rock vibes appearing here and there. The music is first-rate throughout and you can tell that Frayle put their hearts and souls into this album.

The production is excellent with the production handled by Frayle themselves with top-notch studio work by Sean who handled Recording, Mastering and Mixed duties. So a great team-effort all round that makes the album sound amazing throughout.

Frayle are one of the most dynamic and exciting new voices within the Doom/Stoner Metal world and this album proves that. 1692 is an exquisite album that will no doubt launch Frayle onto bigger and better things.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to All Noir PR, Action PR, Lay Bare Recordings and Plug Music Agency for the promo.

1692 will be available to buy on Cassette/CD/DD/Vinyl via Aqualamb Records and Lay Bare Recordings from Feb 14th 2020.

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