On Ambedo, the third release from Tennessee’s Battle Path, there are more musical ideas explored than some bands ever touch upon in their entire careers. Because of this, it’s difficult to fit this release into any specific sub-genre, as there are elements of industrial, doom, and even of shoegazey black metal. And yet, these sounds are so perfectly intertwined, none can be pinpointed as the primary genre.

For those in the know, yes, this album has indeed been released before, but for those that missed it the first time, Battle Path are re-releasing it on cassette. I, being a member of the second category, am glad to have this opportunity. Ambedo is a remarkable album that manages to be beautiful, terrifying, and crushingly heavy, all at once. “Ascension” is easily one of the most sorrowful tunes I’ve heard in a while, with some eerie keyboards that sound like a melancholy church organ in the middle of a funeral. Coupled with slow, fuzzed out riffs, crashing drums, and howling, demonic vocals, it’s a total mindfuck, in the best possible way. “Deep Wounds” is the most black metal-tinged track of the lot, with a distinctly lo-fi quality in sound, thanks to the thorough reverb-drenching in the mixing and mastering. The melancholy tone throughout the album is a brilliant counterpoint to the, at times, ugly sounding electronics, as can be heard on “A Thirst For Blood,” a track that reminds me of Author & Punisher, though with an actual doom band surrounding the electronics.

The synthesizers and use of ambient noise adds an extra layer of grime (and sometimes beauty) to Ambedo, reminding me of Teethed Glory and Injury by Altar Of Plagues. I can say I’m thoroughly impressed with this record, and would recommend it to any of my friends that are into extreme metal. Seriously, don’t miss out on this album, Battle Path are going to be a name to look out for, mark my words.