Review EDENBRIDGE “Set the Dark on Fire”

Edenbridge is one of the most well-known metal bands from Austria. Founded in Linz in 1998, the band premiered in 2000 with an album called “Sunrise in Eden,” which marked a musical turning point for the five-piece.

Founding members Arne Stockhammer (aka Lanvall) and Sabine Edelsbacher are the driving forces behind Edenbridge and their latest studio album, “Set the Dark on Fire.” Four years after launching “Shangri-La,” the new album marks the band’s return to Steamhammer and fans can enjoy a total of 13 songs.

Opening with a six-minute epic is a bold statement. “The Ghostship Diaries” is the starting point of a 53-minute journey through a world of symphonic rock and metal. The opener is a fitting beginning, as the song reflects typical Edenbridge characteristics. Bombastic soundscapes, Edelsbacher’s vocal prowess, and sweet melodies echo throughout “The Ghostship Diaries.”

After such a dramatic start, songs like “Where the Wild Things Are” showcase a broader approach to symphonic metal. Equipped with a dominant folk flavor, the song adds to the album’s momentum.
The new release also includes two interludes, “Tears of the Prophet” and “Divine Dawn Reveal,” with the latter leading to “Lighthouse.” “Lighthouse,” with its Middle Eastern elements, is another twist in the album’s progression, while the lead single, “Cosmic Embrace,” is a straightforward melodic metal song with attention-grabbing hooks.

The 13-minute finale of the album, titled “Spark of the Everflame,” encapsulates the distinctive sound of Edenbridge and their 12th studio album. Heavy guitar riffs, epic soundscapes, catchy melodies, and dramatic elements form the four chapters of “Spark of the Everflame.”

“Set the Dark on Fire” is the twelfth album by the Austrian metal group, and it is consistent with the elevated expectations set by previous works. Edenbridge follows their musical compass, adding a few twists to the mix. This results in an interesting flow that creates curiosity while spinning the album for the first time. Combined with a powerful and dense sound, the album is a soul-pleasing comfort zone and a 53-minute escape from the hurdles of daily life.