ALBUM REVIEW: Morax – The Amulet

Norwegian Heavy Metal soloist Morax released a superb EP back in 2023. Now he has returned with a debut album, out now via High Roller Records.

Having set the bar very high with their majestic first EP, a mystical and enchanting opus of real Heavy Metal, Morax has a lot to live up to. Continuing in that vein of richly occult sounding music, their diabolical presence is quickly felt. Stormy samples begin our journey with an eerie introduction. Grandiose guitars jump into life with melodic prowess as the building sense of tension is palpable. The percussive hits land powerfully while the rocking riffs and haunting harness just as much evil majesty in their delivery. The cleverly structured darkness in the atmosphere is really gripping from the onset and something that instantly captivated me about this band with its almost blackened touches (especially in their chord choices). Evoking a really charnel atmosphere, the vocals have something truly special about them while the instruments are never lacking. To think one person performed all of these roles so exquisitely is extremely impressive. “The Amulet” is certainly off to a brilliant start.

Whether rhythmically ensnaring us with the bewitching songwriting or propelling us to the starts with wonderful solos, everything in this mix manages to stand out whilst falling into place cohesively. Again, the work of our sole musician in the mixing department while the irreplaceable Patrick W. Engel handled the mastering process. Invoking the spirits of the old metallic vanguard yet without relying on mere adulation, Morax stand out on their own as a really interesting and vibrant Heavy Metal act. Perhaps some comparisons can be drawn to Swedish bands such as In Solitude, Wanton Attack and Portrait; but each is different from one another as is this entity. I am certain fans of the more devilish avenue of the genre will be pleased though. From the interestingly off-kilter ideas thrown in for flavour to the more straight fist-pounding, this record has such a superb flow to it that keeps you totally transfixed for the running time.

There is a really refreshing use of some more progressive elements that do not overshadow that primitive rocking feeling but embellish it in a way that makes “The Amulet” a more twisted album. Nuance is used to create unease yet in a way you can still bang your head to. From the more doomy and pounding through to the urgent and anxious, moods are used beautifully to diversely display their strength in crafting an album. With ease we are taking from dancing in the moonlight to exploring tombs of suffocating darkness and back again, floating in the midnight skies. The ethereal and yet corporeal intensity of this recording is indeed unique. Combining the profane with the resplendent, I was new to this entity but found myself repeatedly listening to both releases trying to further explore the mysteriously enigmatic sounds and feeling more and more adoration with each consecutive spin. This is the mark of something special in my experience and I am positively certain that I will be playing their records regularly in the future.

Proving that “Rites and Curses” was not a fluke, Morax have followed their fantastic debut EP with an equally impressive album. Everything here falls into place to conjure an experience one wants to repeat time and time again. A really interesting and well-thought-out example of occult Heavy Metal that feels timeless and exciting, evoking all that is darkness and yet glistening with possibility and enlightenment. A monumental effort.