Hraun channels the essence of 90s goth without its usual pathos, early doom death and black metal into something peculiarly unique. The two Germans' debut full-length is special not only due to its crossover potential but also because it demonstrates traditional songwriting at its best, irrespective of genre. Fittingly, the duo tackles a broad thematic spectrum in their lyrics, ranging from extreme everyday situations to psychological scenarios. Whether addressing supernatural powers like in the opening video track 'Occult Blood' or insurmountable pain as in 'Take Back The Light', which harks back to My Dying Bride's violin elegies: "Black Molten Essence" is both what the title suggests and much, much more. To prove this, just take 'Seducing Voices,' an old composition of Marcel's that affronts dangerous persuaders with rolling double bass and stomping grooves alike, or the epic 'In The Pouring Rain I Lie,' which sets to music a person's final revolt against death, all the while harking back to the sadly missed Woods Of Ypres and the main songwriter's personal favourites Kontinuum. With regards to the latter, Hraun are not only informed by the sounds but also the sights of Iceland, their name meaning "lava" in the country's language ... and when 'Hamarinn' at last pays homage to nature's perfection by literally erupting like its namesake subglacial volcano, it speaks for the whole album which seems to be, right from the outset, destined to become a continuous, glaringly bright burner.
