Fumes: Skeletal Wings Threshold – A Review

As Febuary brings rain and mist, the search for fresh talent in the metal scene perseveres. mexico’s Fumes, a relatively young black metal band, enters the fray with their debut full-length album, “Skeletal Wings Threshold.” Can this album solidify Mexico’s place in the global black metal landscape?

Breaking the Mold

Fumes carve their own unique path, diverging from the traditional icy Norwegian black metal sound.Their approach leans towards a heavier,more modern aesthetic,reminiscent of bands like Ragnarok and Hades. Thick, low-end guitars provide a powerful and aggressive backbone, lending a distinctive weight to the music. This emphasis on heaviness gives the punk-infused riffs a unique bounce and bite, effortlessly switching between melodic tremolo picking and the stomping, marching rhythms that have become synonymous with Immortal. Tracks like the outro of “Suppuration Tunnels” manage to conjure a genuinely sinister and unsettling atmosphere. Meaty guitar solos weave throughout the album, adding melodic flair, while drummer Minos maintains a relentless, driving rhythm.

Vocally, Alanis commands attention, delivering menacing, enunciated bellows that cut through the dense sonic tapestry.

Areas for growth

“Skeletal Wings Threshold” boasts strong elements, but ultimately falls short in terms of lasting impact. While the album opens powerfully with “Stellar Ascension Infernal,” it loses momentum quickly. Some tracks, like “Carrier of Venenifyer,” exceed their six-minute runtime without achieving the necessary rhythmic dynamism.

A Missed Possibility?

The album’s concept, which weaves together dark themes with Mexican cultural influences, holds great potential. Though,the execution feels somewhat underdeveloped. The incorporation of traditional Mexican musical elements remains subtle, lacking the depth and integration one might expect given the album’s emphasis on blending aggression with melody. This missed opportunity leaves the listener wanting more.

Looking Ahead

Despite its shortcomings, “Skeletal Wings Threshold” hints at Fumes’ potential. With more focused songwriting and a deeper exploration of their unique cultural influences, they could forge a truly compelling sound. This debut serves as a stepping stone, showcasing the band’s talent and setting the stage for future releases that could truly break the mold.

Skeletal Wings Threshold: A Missed opportunity in Black Metal

Fumes’ latest album, “Skeletal Wings Threshold,” seeks a foothold in the demanding world of black metal but ultimately fails to truly engage its listeners. Despite moments of creative riffage and dark atmosphere, the album’s execution leaves much to be desired.

Pacing and Structure: A Disruptive Flow

“skeletal Wings Threshold” suffers from a lack of cohesion in its pacing and structure. Three interludes, sprinkled throughout the album, disrupt its flow and lack musical coherence.While the interlude “Returning to Suppuration Tunnels” showcases promising creative riffing and a glimpse of good composition, their inclusion ultimately detracts from the overall listening experience.

Re-recordings: A Loss of Raw Charm

Further diminishing the album’s impact is the decision to re-record several tracks from the band’s previous work. This stripped away the raw charm and personality of the originals, leaving behind polished versions that feel sterile and less engaging.

“This is frustrating because I think Fumes can be a good band,” a critic noted. “The material would have best been served as a second EP,” the review suggests, advocating for a more concise and focused approach to songwriting.

Areas for Improvement: Refining the Sound

For their next release, Fumes would benefit from prioritizing immediate riffing and a tighter track listing. Streamlining their approach and resisting the urge to overcomplicate their music could led to a more memorable and impactful listening experience. Perhaps a suggestion of “an extra tablespoon of blackened brutality” could help them carve a more distinctive identity within the diverse landscape of black metal.

A Lackluster Offering

While “Skeletal Wings Threshold” occasionally flickers with promise, it ultimately falls into the realm of forgettable black metal.

Fumes: Blending Aggression and Melody on “Skeletal Wings Threshold”

Mexico’s black metal scene is gaining momentum, and Fumes, a band blending aggression with melodic sensibilities, is leading the charge. Their debut album, “Skeletal Wings Threshold,” released February 7th, 2025, showcases a unique sound that transcends traditional black metal tropes. Archyde spoke with vocalist Alanis and guitarist Miguel to delve deeper into their creative process, influences, and vision for the future.

Breaking Away From Tradition

Fumes’ music stands apart from the typical icy Norwegian black metal sound.When asked about their heavier,more modern approach,Alanis explained,”We’ve always been drawn to bands like Ragnarok and Hades,who blend aggression with melodic sensibilities. We wanted to capture that raw power while injecting our own Mexican influences. Think a fusion of ancient rituals and contemporary rage.”

Miguel added, “Absolutely. We’re not afraid to experiment. The punk-infused riffs, the emphasis on rhythm, and the soaring guitar solos—it’s all about pushing boundaries and creating something uniquely ours.”

Crafting Atmosphere and Intensity

Several tracks, like “Suppuration Tunnels,” on “Skeletal Wings Threshold” evoke a truly unsettling atmosphere. Alanis shed light on their songwriting approach: “It’s about conjuring imagery, telling a story.We draw inspiration from mythology, folklore, and the darker aspects of human nature. We want listeners to feel immersed in the darkness, to confront their fears.”

Miguel emphasized the importance of musical texture: “Music is a visceral experience. We strive to create textures, layers, and dynamics that build tension and release. The interplay between the guitars, drums, and vocals is crucial in crafting that unsettling atmosphere.”

Looking Ahead: Refining the Vision

While “Skeletal Wings Threshold” showcases immense potential, Miguel acknowledges areas for improvement: “We’re constantly evolving. Some aspects of the album,like needing more refined songwriting,prevent it from reaching its full potential. With a few key adjustments, Fumes could undoubtedly harness their creative strengths and deliver a truly compelling album.”

Fumes’ debut album is a testament to their dedication to pushing boundaries and crafting a unique sound. Their willingness to experiment, blend genres, and explore dark themes sets them apart in the metal scene. As they continue to refine their vision, Fumes is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in the global metal landscape.

Rating: 2.0/5.0

DR: 8

Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3

Label: Personal Records

Releases Worldwide: February 7th,2025

Fumes: A Mexican Black Metal Band Carves Its Own Path

Emerging from the vibrant Mexican metal scene,Fumes is a black metal act that’s making waves with their raw energy and intense sound.Their debut album, “Fumes,” released on February 7th, 2025, offers a glimpse into their sonic world, characterized by blistering riffs, thunderous drumming, and haunting vocals.

refinement and Evolution

While the album has been praised for its raw talent, some critics have noted that it lacks cohesiveness. When asked about this feedback, Alanis, vocalist for Fumes, stated, “We’re always striving to improve. feedback is invaluable. We’re aware that pacing and thematic cohesion could be stronger. We’re constantly refining our songwriting, exploring new ideas, and pushing ourselves creatively.”

Miguel, the band’s guitarist, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our next album will be a testament to that evolution. We’re focusing on tighter structures, more dynamic arrangements, and a clearer narrative arc. We want to create a truly immersive and unforgettable listening experience.”

A Global Vision for Mexican Black Metal

Fumes is not only focused on musical progression but also on representing Mexico on the global black metal stage.

“We want to represent Mexico proudly, to showcase the diversity and creativity within our scene,” Alanis shared. “We aspire to connect with audiences worldwide, to share our music, our stories, and our passion for black metal.”

Miguel added, “We believe in pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and forging our own path. We’re just getting started, and the future is radiant. Stay tuned.”

Technical Details

Rating: 2.0/5.0

DR: 8

Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3

Label: Personal Records

Releases Worldwide: february 7th, 2025

Fumes has set their sights on making a importent impact in the black metal scene. With their commitment to refining their sound, promoting Mexican metal globally, and pushing creative boundaries, they are undoubtedly a band to watch in the years to come.

What specific Mexican influences are incorporated into Fumes’ music?

fumes: Blending Aggression and Melody on “Skeletal Wings Threshold”

Mexico’s black metal scene is gaining momentum, and Fumes, a band blending aggression with melodic sensibilities, is leading the charge. Their debut album, “Skeletal Wings Threshold,” released February 7th, 2025, showcases a unique sound that transcends conventional black metal tropes. Archyde spoke with vocalist Alanis and guitarist Miguel to delve deeper into their creative process, influences, and vision for the future.

Breaking away From Tradition

Fumes’ music stands apart from the typical icy Norwegian black metal sound.When asked about their heavier,more modern approach,Alanis explained,”We’ve always been drawn to bands like Ragnarok and Hades,who blend aggression with melodic sensibilities. we wanted to capture that raw power while injecting our own Mexican influences. Think a fusion of ancient rituals and contemporary rage.”

Miguel added, “Absolutely. We’re not afraid to experiment. the punk-infused riffs, the emphasis on rhythm, and the soaring guitar solos—it’s all about pushing boundaries and creating something uniquely ours.”

Crafting Atmosphere and Intensity

Several tracks, like “Suppuration tunnels,” on “Skeletal Wings Threshold” evoke a truly unsettling atmosphere. Alanis shed light on their songwriting approach: “It’s about conjuring imagery, telling a story.We draw inspiration from mythology, folklore, and the darker aspects of human nature. We want listeners to feel immersed in the darkness, to confront their fears.”

Miguel emphasized the importance of musical texture: “Music is a visceral experience. We strive to create textures, layers, and dynamics that build tension and release.The interplay between the guitars, drums, and vocals is crucial in crafting that unsettling atmosphere.”

Looking Ahead: Refining the Vision

While “Skeletal Wings threshold” showcases immense potential, Miguel acknowledges areas for improvement: “We’re constantly evolving. Some aspects of the album,like needing more refined songwriting,prevent it from reaching its full potential. With a few key adjustments, Fumes could undoubtedly harness their creative strengths and deliver a truly compelling album.”

Fumes’ debut album is a testament to their dedication to pushing boundaries and crafting a unique sound. Their willingness to experiment, blend genres, and explore dark themes sets them apart in the metal scene. as they continue to refine their vision, Fumes is poised to become a force to be reckoned with in the global metal landscape.