listener to the edge, with all the rebellion and explosiveness of classic punk rock, but reflective notes seep in, canceling all malignancy. "Give me love / Give me all your hate inside" is more than a chorus; it becomes a profession of faith. This dynamic first track showcases the robust riffs and Cure-like dominant bassline that set the album's tone.

 

Lighter on the punk, "1708" gets you drunk on goth tones, with a rolling melody reminiscent of masters of nostalgia like The 69 Eyes. It is one of those songs that feel ready to fall apart any minute, keeping you hooked with their fragility. The synthesizers add a spatial dimension to the song's layered sound built on melodic guitar lines.

 

Propelled by pounding drum beats, "Bury Us In Black" zigzags between regret and despair, only to rise on a chorus that summons the amplitude of 1980's stadium rock. Along with "RUN" and "Living Hell," the song is a testimony to Adam Crilly's vocal abilities. The lead singer follows a long-standing tradition of British vocalists whose voices manage to sound dreamy and multidimensional even as they take on the roughest notes.

 

"Still Dead" starts with an R.E.M. vibe which takes it closer to alternative rock, but slowly transitions into low notes best described as “the sinking-heart effect.” Like "Bury Us In Black," the song relies on a solid construction, with good breaks and a satisfying ending. With its perfect mix of emotion and get-up-and-dance expressivity, "Still Dead" stands out as the radio hit among the many catchy tunes on Horror Cult. Check out the video the band released for the song in September.

 

Despite its talk of Hell, nightmares and damnation, Horror Cult has an underlying note of hope, just enough light to carry the songs - and our sensibilities - home. The album is full of melodic surprises: the Dream Theater-like interlude in "10 Reasons to Stay," the overall balance between heavy drums and the underlying melody, and the layered sound achieved with synths and backup vocals are just a few examples. Apart from its homage to horror goth themes, the album, with its "wake up" leitmotiv, feels like a plea: wake up before it's too late; find yourself; stay true to what matters. One thing is for sure: these guys' plea should be taken seriously.

 

Ashestoangels are currently on The Halloween Cult Tour. If you happen to be in the U.K., make sure to catch one of their upcoming gigs. Otherwise, check out Horror Cult, coming out on Halloween. No tricks involved. Horror Cult is a treat for all fans of goth, punk and alternative rock.