2026 marks a comeback for Inthraced.
Originally known as Instinct for five years, and having released EPs in 2012 and 2014, the band has remained relatively low-key. After releasing a single in 2019, the band – now led by Tommi Takkunen (guitar/vocals), Antti Ikonen (drums), Eetu Kovapohja (bass, Foredoomed), and Mirko Byman (guitar, Nibiru Ordeal) – signed with Inverse Records to release its debut album, Constellation Zero.
The band kicks things off with The Revenant, the opening track that blends melodic death metal influences, modern elements, and majestic keyboards, creating an aggressive yet captivating hybrid even before the vocals kick in, reinforcing the already established menacing vibe. There’s still a certain coldness to it thanks to the samples, and the leads cut through before transitioning into Neon Frontiers, a track that amplifies the cosmic tones that perfectly match this futuristic cover art; however, we also notice that the screams are occasionally complemented by some clean vocals, adding a touch of typically Finnish epic Power Metal. The track finally gives way to The Black Star, which picks up where the previous one left off with the same fury, happily adding some haunting harmonics to an already highly catchy and at times even jerky foundation. We finally get our first real moment of respite with the soothing introduction of Darkest Chest, which nonetheless retains a few martial undertones. As expected, the riffs soon arrive to reinforce the melodies, which once again take on the feel of a furious gallop driven by the double kick, slowing down only to lead into Constellation Zero, the eponymous track that hits the ground running and sweeps us along in its wake. The track is the longest on the album, and uses its length to deliver beautiful, furious accelerations, but also a long, much more ethereal break that eventually returns to fierce, unapologetic warlike tones before a softer finale, leading into The Way Of The Voice. This track also begins in tranquility, but we sense it’s short-lived, and the explosion that follows confirms it, giving us a furious urge to headbang while the rhythm section rages between the keyboards, particularly in the finale that leads into Lost Divinity, the also very long final composition which draws on all the band’s influences to offer us excellent diversity, as well as a grand, climactic ending.
Their journey has been fraught with obstacles, but Inthraced has finally made a name for themselves with Constellation Zero, a debut album that is already highly polished and demonstrates great musical maturity. Don’t expect to come away from this experience without already wanting to go back for more.
85/100
