One Listen Review
1st Listen 21 Apr 25
Reviewed 23 Apr 25
Ahamkara – The Harrow of the Lost
Bindrune Recordings
Released 25 Apr 25
In 2014, British black metal band, Ahamkara released their, well received, debut album. Since then, a lot has happened, including the sad passing of their founder vocalist Steve Black just a year after the release of ‘The Embers of the Stars’.
A 10 year hiatus followed, and you can understand the reluctance for a 2nd album. However, 2025 sees the release of the sophomore album, and it is a release bathed in tortured grief and true raw emotion. Emotion that is driven home in the vocals of the remaining founding member Michael Blenkarn.
With new drummer, Austin Lunn and synths provided by Alexandra Blenkarn-Durning, Ahamkara are now a trio and the sound they create blends and gels, creating beauty in their art. The Harrow of the Lost is the resultant work, and it a genuine modern slab of black metal.
Gone is the poor production that plagues many other releases by bands who believe their music must fit outdated genre criteria (I’m looking at you 2nd wave’. Ahamkara have released a 4 track album that leaves you utterly immersed in the landscape of nihilistic grief. It envelopes you, but also somehow leaves you uplifted.
‘The Circle of Remembrance’ is the opening track. Beginning with an eerie wind-effect, the atmosphere is immediate. Taking its time to open fully, when the main riff
emerges from the gloom, the change of tone is tangible and Ahamkara release their demons.
At just under 43 minutes, you know that the tracks will be long. The good news is that they don’t seem that long, such is the immersive nature of the album. It is immensely likeable stuff, the musicianship is accomplished and, despite the nature of the lyrics, The Harrow of the Lost treats you like an old friend.
When you reach the closing track, ‘Ordeal of Ascension’, the driving force of the album dawned on me. Lunn’s drumming is intense throughout and it is on the final track that you realise just how good it is and how much the album relies on his performance. It is excellent work.
As I recall listening to the album and through my notes, my desire for another listen has grown. An extra horns has been given to my score and I can’t wait to delve into the album again.
Whilst this may not be a genre classic, or appeal to old-fashioned black metal zealots, erm – purists, it is a very good release that leads to the hope that more albums will follow.
The DevilsHorns 
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