Oryad – Sacred & Profane
Release Date: 25th May 2023
Label: Self released
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Genre: Symphonic Metal, Operatic Metal, Doom Metal, Folk Metal, Progressive Metal, Jazz.
FFO: EPICA, Nightwish, AD Infinitum, Deep Sun, Tarja, Within Temptation.
Review By: Mark Waight
Following their 2021 debut EP Hymns of Exile and Decay which had a more traditional Folk Metal feel to it, Oryad’s newest release Sacred and Profane is of a much grander scale encompassing several different Metal genres that is sure to increase the bands fanbase and appeal to a much wider audience. If you are a fan of Symphonic, Operatic, Folk or Doom Metal then your ears are in for a real treat as you are taken on a magical journey of epic proportions. There are also elements of Jazz in this genre busting album, so forget about trying to define Sacred & Profane and just enjoy the ride! I recommend that you lie down, put on your headphones and shut your eyes to maximise the Oryad experience (you won’t be disappointed).
Sacred and Profane weaves a vivid picture of beautiful landscapes and wondrous stories in your mind by way of Oryad’s superbly crafted music, classic orchestral arrangements and tantalising vocals that are just oh so sweet on your ears!
Oryad is Moira Murphy (vocals and the formidable driving force behind the precise musical arrangements) and Matt Gotlin-Sheehan (drums) along with a whole host of other talented musicians who add creative input to this outstanding composition.
The Path (part I) opens proceedings divinely with Moira Murphy’s stunning and haunting vocals backed by a lovely orchestral arrangement that perfectly sets the mood for our epic musical journey.
Pure Symphonic Metal track Scorched Earth has a heavy bass intro that faithfully leads us on our way as we are treated to some outstanding operatic style vocals fused with sublimely deft, groove-laden guitar playing.
Blood is a slow burning track layered with strings and orchestral grandeur that gradually increases in intensity to an enthralling climax. It is truly faultless as Moira Murphy’s amazing vocal range is given a thorough workout before blast beats and a solitary piano brings things quietly to a close.
The traditional sounding arrangement of Lillith conjures up beautiful images of long forgotten tales set in mountainous landscapes with green valleys and bubbling streams. It is a heartfelt and endearing melodic canvas that is a delight to behold. The ghostly whispering at the beginning of Eve introduces us to something much darker and more gothic. It generates a blackened atmosphere of gloriously gloominess that reaches into the very fabric of your soul. Lovely!
Alchemy is a heady infusion of Metal and Jazz, which is indeed impressive to say and even more impressive to hear. This super track gives Moira Murphy the opportunity to show a completely different side to her vocal talents, a definite jaw dropping moment for the listener.
Wayfaring Stranger is almost cinematic in the graphic image it paints in your mind. It’s widescreen, it’s surround sound, it’s an epic tearjerker that is so deeply emotional and moving that it won’t fail to melt even the coldest of hearts. Superb!
An elegant string arrangement begins the very operatic sounding Through the Veil, which will be as equally appreciated and loved by fans of pure Classical music as it will be by Symphonic Metal fans out there. A song that will defy the passage of time and the boundaries of genre! Slice of Time brings the Metal very much back to the fore by delivering a fast-paced, hard-hitting song with a heart pumping heavy bass rhythm to compliment the sumptuous orchestral arrangement. Moira Murphy again steals the show by holding some incredibly long notes that will leave you in total awe.
The Path (part II) is a beautifully dreamy finale where crystal clear and angelic vocals carry you along on a wave of serenity before bringing you to a gentle and contented rest.
Sacred & Profane is a career defining moment for Oryad and is destined to be one of the outstanding releases of 2023. Sacred & Profane ticks all the boxes for me, and hence is thoroughly deserving of my first ever 5 out of 5 score. Moira Murphy is certainly a force to be reckoned with when it comes to her artistic creativity and interpretation of her craft, Oryad is her chosen conduit in which to share this stunning vision with the world.
The big hitters in the Metal genres whose borders Oryad have now crossed with Sacred and Profane need to take more than a cautious look over their shoulders, as there is a new player in town who is determined to raise the bar and leave them firmly in her wake!
Highly recommended.
(5 / 5)
