Unrest and protest are elements that always have played a large role in most societies, and in the last several years in this country, both have grown in size, scope, and anger. We are at the cusp of a potential fascist regime, and if the wrong side wins the election next month, the protests we’ve witnessed to this point might seem small in comparison.

While many have and possibly will take up arms and head into the streets, there are other ways of protest and various means of joining the fight even if not physically. That’s at the heart of “The Insurrectionists and the Caretakers,” the third full-length from Auriferous Flame, the project helmed solely by Ayloss (Spectral Lore, Mystras, etc.). Yes, there are those who thrive to jump into the physical battles, and they deserve honor, but so do those who work from their homefront, creating safe spaces for those impacted, donating to worthy causes, and spreading the word of revolution. This three-track effort visits both parts of that, holding torches aloft for anyone battling against tyranny.

“The Insurrectionists” opens, a 15:40-long tale that drives in, torches ablaze, ramping up to a fiery force that aims to scorch apprehension to fight against overreaching power. ” “No more shall I run like the servant of the state, correcting false accidents, intentional shortcomings, but I will strike to destroy it, once and for all,” Ayloss howls, the snarling force working into a dark miasma, the pace numbing while the cries stretch muscle beyond their limits. The playing continues to add steam, maniacal patterns making blood rush, howls bringing down pillars, storming fire laying waste to whatever forces stand in the way. “I know in my path I crossed as many victories as misdeeds,” Ayloss howls, “you were all free to judge me, before and now that my time has come, to my grave I want one truth to be written: At least I have revolted,” as the final waves rush into the smoke from battle.

“The Caretakers” blazes, a crushing force that knows no bounds, forceful howls painting memories of the fires in our heart that linger over time. “Now that my hair is greying, my heart sinks and my feet tremble,” Ayloss howls. “At the reality of speaking my truth loud, against the face of an authority that can wipe you out, the moment it decides so…” The assault is relentless musically, daring a violent pace, guitars slashing as feral calls aim for blood. The leads grow more direct, spirited “woah” calls igniting adrenaline, the spirit of defiance boiling over as Ayloss wails, “Oh, how did you not foresee the sprout of resistance, growing from the most unexpected of places…” “An Oration to the Storm” finishes the album, charging up and unleashing guitars that race and quake, driving howls going for the neck. The playing is speedy and manic, guitars hitting a boil, Ayloss calling, ” What did you remember when the vortex swept over you? And the violence of the void whispered black, release it like a spell for the mountains to quake.” Fast and lathering melodies rise to the surface, the playing rippling and spitting fire, slowly fading into quieter sounds, a serenity that hopefully marks the end of a battle won.

The struggle against forces that would seek to end us, a bubbling fascism that’s sprouting across the world, will be fought in many different ways, which Ayloss illustrates violently and passionately on “The Insurrectionists and the Caretakers.” Both roles have their means and advantages, and what this Auriferous Flame record serves to do is remind us of what we’re facing so we know exactly where we fit once the swords are unsheathed. It will take everyone, no matter what purpose you serve, to burn this force into permanent ash, and it’ll take a collective effort to make sure this is stamped into the ground and mercilessly eradicated.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/Auriferousflame

To buy the album, go here: https://truecultrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-insurrectionists-and-the-caretakers

For more on the label, go here: https://truecultrecords.bandcamp.com/