Black Widows – Among The Brave Ones
Black Widows – Among The Brave Ones
Inverse Records
Release Date: 21/10/22
Running Time: 48:48
Review By Laura Barnes
7/10
We’re seeing a lot of reboots nowadays. Michael Myers and Jamie Lee Curtis are beefing once again. Dinosaur-themed adventure parks are still not up to the desired health and safety standards. Bruce Wayne continues to take an unorthodox approach to grief. Sometimes, these reboots are unnecessary, a cheap way to cash in on misplaced nostalgia. Other times, these reboots give us the opportunity to reflect on how much we have changed, both as a culture and as individuals.
I say this because we might consider Black Widows’ latest album, “Among The Brave Ones”, something of a reboot. Their last album, “Sweet… The Hell” came out twenty years ago. To really put this in perspective: their last album came out when I was 2. I have changed a lot since then (eating solid foods, talking in full sentences, etcetera) and so has the Metal scene. An all-female metal band might have raised some (misogynistic) eyebrows back in the mid-nineties when Black Widows were formed, but now that bands like Venom Prison and Butcher Babies rule the roost, the time is ripe for Black Widows to make their return.
Of course, a reboot would be boring if everything stayed exactly the same. “Among The Brave Ones” keeps the Symphonic influences and Gothic atmosphere that lay at the heart of Black Widows, but brings in a fiercer, harsher edge. The production and mixing are more modern, adding a certain level of richness and refinement to the album. Metaphorically speaking, “Sweet… The Hell” is like your local graveyard, or empty castle ruins, and “Among The Brave Ones” is like the edgy inner city goth nightclub. It is eclectic and unpredictable – this spider bite now comes with beer-soaked fangs!
The menacing ‘I’m A Monster’ is a prime example of Black Widows’ new take-no-prisoners philosophy, with Death Metal infused verses that you simply cannot resist headbanging to. Those who prefer the slightly more melodic touch of Black Widows’ earlier work will enjoy tracks like ‘Dead Heaven’s Vibe’. Vocalist (and only remaining original member) Rute Fevereiro really shows off her range in this song, and the result is a song that is haunting and cinematic.
The real difficulty Black Widows face on “Among The Brave Ones” is merging these two styles together. ‘Schizo’ is a song that I deeply want to love, because it’s positively bursting with brilliant concepts and techniques. That build-up? Hair-raising. That gentle bridge? Beautiful. And that solo? That FUCKING SOLO?! Praise be to guitarist Íris Prado, because that was a hoot and a half! The only issue is that these great moments work individually, but struggle to create the cohesive atmosphere and tone that would really make the song feel whole. However, the blending of old and new Black Widows is possible, and very impressive when done right. ‘Forgive To Forget’ sees distant and ethereal clean vocals laid atop powerful harsh vocals in a way that beautifully captures the struggle of forgiveness – AND there’s ANOTHER great solo! Absolutely superb stuff.
All in all, “Among The Brave Ones” is an album that is jam-packed with ideas and passion. It is a pleasure and a privilege to review such an exciting album from an all-female metal band. Black Widows’ comeback is an impressive and unique one. In case you were wondering what exactly Michael Myers and Black Widows had in common at the start of this review, I’ll tell you: they’ve both stood the test of time.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Black Orchid
02. Schizo
03. Among The Brave Ones
04. Philosophy of Fools
05. Electrify Me
06. I’m A Monster
07. Drowning
08. Dead Heaven’s Vibe
09. Forgive To Forget
10. Eden Denied
LINE-UP:
Rute Fevereiro – Vocals and Guitar
Solange Campos – Bass
Íris Prado – Guitar
Mónica Rodrigues – Keyboards
Marta Brissos – Drums
LINKS:
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