Review WRETCHED “Decay”

Wretched are celebrating their 20th anniversary as a band this year, and they’re marking the milestone with a new album. Titled “Decay”, their latest studio effort features twelve songs. Creating this album was more than just a walk in the park. Considering that the “Cannibal” record was released in 2014, it took Wretched eleven years to complete their fifth full-length album.

“Decay” is a concept album from start to finish, connecting the “Beyond the Gates” release through the element of the talisman.

The title track kicks off the album. This song is also the lead single from “Decay” and introduces the main character, Malus, alongside a character from the “Beyond the Gates” album, Elturiel.

This opener clearly indicates what can be expected from the twelve songs on the album. It combines harsh metal riffs with hoarse vocals, building to a melodic and cinematic finale. The song addresses the decay of the main character, as well as the feelings of loss and helplessness that accompany it. The music expresses this theme beautifully and acts as a soundtrack to the storyline. This principle resonates throughout the entire album. The driving element is the story, and the music emphasises the emotional rollercoaster ride. As the title track the entire album is built around the decay of good intentions and loss, as well as the impact of time and choices on life.

“Decay” is a technically advanced piece of work that reveals its depth with each listen. It is a musical adventure that begins with the above-mentioned title track and offers much more. There is the heavy-hearted “The Crimson Sky”, which features melodic guitar lines that are matched by raging vocals.

Then there’s the relentless “Radiance”, one of the most brutal moments on “Decay”. To appreciate the full range of what “Decay” offers, “Behind the Glass” is also worth mentioning. This song is different from most of the others on the album for a few reasons. Firstly, and most obviously, it is a 16-minute musical monument. It is a majestic moment on the album, fuelled by great melodies. The calmer, soulful nature of “Behind the Glass” contrasts strongly with the other songs, yet it still fits into the context of the album. This shows that Wretched’s musical vision is much wider than simply putting powerful riffing to the fore.

These 16 cinematic minutes are followed by “Lights”, which continues the raging journey and connects to the first half of the album, before “The Golden Tide” reveals some 1980s influences, which also reappear in “The Golden Skyway”. The album ends vigorously, and it is the melodies that make it easy to connect with the songs.

With “Decay”, Wretched have created an interesting album that is challenging and puts demands on the listener. With its expanded soundscapes, the album demands attention and offers much more than mere background entertainment. The only thing lacking on “Decay” is a flow of twists. Wretched stick very closely to their basic musical concept, which supports the storyline but limits the scope for unexpected musical excursions.