Phrenelith “Ashen Womb”

Label: Dark Descent · Year: 2025

I’ve been following Phrenelith since 2017, and they have returned with their new album, Ashen Womb. Active since 2013, these Danes continue to carry forward their trademark dark-themed, doomy old-school death metal style on this record.

This nearly 40-minute album includes two atmospheric instrumental tracks. Most of the riffs and song structures have a noticeable black metal feel, and compared to their previous albums, these elements are more dominant. Overall, they have continued along the path set by their 2021 full-length Chimaera somehow.

The album’s production and recording quality seem slightly improved this time. The bass guitar is well-integrated into the mix, and in songs where a raw guitar tone is used, it enhances the overall sound. However, the drum arrangements feel somewhat simplistic, and the transitions between sections are weak, though I attribute this to their stylistic approach. The songs feature more blackened guitar riffs and tones, with occasional moody keyboard support.

On this album, Phrenelith delivers a darker and more thematic death metal sound, where black metal-inspired riffs and compositions play a more dominant role. Personally, I would have preferred to hear this approach with a more powerful production—the guitars and overall sound feel a bit too raw for this style. However, every track is crafted with a focus on a more astral, black metal-influenced projection.

Overall, Ashen Womb is an album that should satisfy fans of European old-school death metal and black metal. They’ve earned a pass from me again.