It is at the intersection of styles that we can often find some of the most interesting and ear-catching material that can be found across any genre so long as there are bands bold and daring enough to explore such territories. For some time now, metal and its contemporary style have never once been ashamed to break new ground to the point that now it feels as though there isn’t any frontier left that’s truly untouched. As such, many dig their heels in for many reasons be it out of reverence for the sound itself or to see what they can make out of a style no matter how well-explored it has become. It has been some time since I’ve come across a work that blends post-metal and hardcore in an impactful performance which made my stumbling upon the forthcoming Lethvm creation one that I found just as pleasantly surprising as it is powerful.

The combination of these two sounds has become so well-known and expertly executed at this point that to see another band come out of the woodwork to bring their own brand of glory to the sound isn’t surprising whatsoever given all the excellence that has been achieved over the years. It can be difficult, however, since such territory doesn’t feel welcoming to newcomers looking to climb the ranks given how many of those household post-hardcore names are still going quite strong, but the astute and inquisitive fan of the sound would be more than aware of rising talents like Lethvm that are constantly keeping the style interesting. Even though there really isn’t any new ground broken within the six tracks of “Winterreise”, there’s nothing stopping this name from absolutely dominating the focus of the entire post-hardcore world given the true power, emotion, and deep understanding of the sound that is constantly at play for the whole of this release. Not just a loud album that scratches on some of the same themes the style has become known for, “Winterreise” plunges the listener into a state of mind that feels all but desolate as it is through painful catharsis that Lethvm provides the only truly sliver of salvation from such a loathsome fate. Rife with atmosphere that really knows how to keep you rooted in place while the unyielding aggression of Lethvm consumes your very spirit, this album is magnificently potent right from the very start as it’s made clear that this isn’t an album made just out of reverence for what’s come before in the world of post-hardcore and beyond.

Rather, “Winterreise” is a personal statement that sheds the very soul of voracious toxicities with the end result of the listen the sensation of cleansing by fire in an aural form the likes of which this style feels all but made for. Nothing is left to chance, no stone is left unturned, and no one is left untouched by what Lethvm has crafted here with this creation one that any fan of the style must check out the moment they can.

“Winterreise” releases on April 7th via Dunk! Records!

LISTEN to Lethvm on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Lethvm on Facebook here.