Formed in Gdańsk, Poland in 2016, Frightful began life as a rather nifty grindcore/death metal outfit before gradually morphing into the current incarnation as a death/thrash hybrid. However, the band’s evolution has been natural; there’s been no radical reinvention or tearing up of their roots and they still retain elements of their previous incarnation and they’re all pulled together in spectacular style on their sophomore album What Lies Ahead. Featuring eight dynamic tracks, this long player catches the band in their prime and ready to take on the world.
While it is undoubtedly true that you can’t judge a book by its cover (or an album by its sleeve), that which houses What Lies Ahead is pretty indicative of what awaits when you spin this release. The figure on the sleeve is filled with terror, as if capturing a glimpse beyond the thin veil that separates this world from the next. It’s kind of like Edvard Munch’s The Scream (only updated for the new millennium) and serves as a warning to the curious. Those brave enough to step over the threshold will be greeted by a monolithic riff which swings open like the gates of hell to reveal Frightful doing what they do best, namely delivering an amphetamine-infused brand of metal. Opening track ‘Cloaked By Nothingness’ has definite crossover appeal and will attract fans of thrash and death in equal measure. The first thing that really hits you with this release is Krzysztof Pochranowicz’s drumming; he’s a real powerhouse, a man machine who plays with robotic precision and offers little in the way of mercy. He joined the band in 2023 and has proved himself a worthy addition and has given Frightful a dynamic edge. In Paweł Snarski and Eryk Jabubeƶyk the band have a pair of guitarists who could rival Iron Maiden’s Smith/Murray and harmonise their classical lines in a similar fashion, and in doing so will find them reaching beyond the realms of extremity and adhering themselves to traditional metal fans. They can riff in tandem or deliver mesmerising, hypnotic solos (such as on ‘Into The Phantom Hearts’) and when combined with the dynamic drumming, it renders Frightful a flexible bunch. Oskar Wańka is a bombastic bassist who also provides vocals and it is from here where the band derive their death metal leanings. His vocals are caustic and could strip paint, yet they’re still decipherable and, like the music, walk a fine line between the trad and extreme.
There’s a freshness and vibrancy surrounding What Lies Ahead that is missing from much modern metal released nowadays. In fact, ‘Disincarnate Sower’ is the first track I’ve heard in a long time that’s made me break out the air guitar and rock along with. It’s also a collection of songs that are sure to transfer well to the live environment, and the vivacious title-track is sure to get pits swirling and moshers stage diving. The style of metal that Frightful play has given them a lot of freedom and no two songs inhabit the same space and that makes What Lies Ahead the kind of album you can listen to from start to finish, its constant evolution ensuring things never become staid. ‘Inexplicable’ is a strong closer, a song of many suites which allows the band to display their various facets and means they won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
Gdańsk is an industrial city that breeds hardy folk and Frightful have produced an equally tough album and What Lies Ahead signposts great things for Frightful.
- What Lies Ahead is released via Godz Ov War Productions and is available now.
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Track List:
- Cloaked By Nothingness
- Disincarnate Sower
- What Lies Ahead
- No Fear
- Into The Phantom Hearts
- Farewell
- Cathedrals Of Creation
- Inexplicable
