Austria’s Irdorath were formed about eight years ago and shortly after the recording of the demo Erwachen, the band signed to Black Lava Records. Soon Irdorath (after a couple of line-up changes) and this label released the debut full album Götterdämmerung. Then things went relatively silent and except for some live performances, nothing happened (except for another change in line-up) - until 2012. Last year saw the release of the band’s second full length, which was called Dekonstrukteuer Des Fleisches, via major label Massacre Records. More playing live was the result of this highly-appreciated second album. Later that very same year, after only remaining original member Markus wrote new material, new member Thomas started recording the drum parts for the third album at the famous Stage One Studio (think: Nagelfar, Graveworm, Legion Of The Damned, Belphegor, Asenblut and hundreds of others). Earlier this year, the guitars, bass and vocals were recorded once more at the Soundtempel Studio with Stefan Traunmüller (Bifröst, Alastor, Wallachia, Apeiron, Blessed In Sin etc.), and Andy Classen finally mixed and mastered the whole process. In mean time, Irdorath switched over to another label again, joining Noisehead’s roster.
I Am Risen is the first release with a non-German title, but in its purest essence it does not differ that much from the former efforts. The album brings a catchy, rhythmic and melodic form of modern Thrash / Black Metal, combining aggression, bombast and melody. Unfortunately, there is not that much inspiration, nor does it sound original or renewing, I do forgive a certain lack of originality in case the qualitative result is above average. But because the whole is way too predictable and ‘clean’, this album can’t please me that overwhelmingly at all. No, I will not say that I Am Risen is a bad recording, because it is not that awful. But since there are tens, even hundreds of comparable releases lately, often with a more convincing approach, this album will not be a memorable event.