Onward by Lammoth

For fans of Deafheaven, Agriculture, Adorn, chiptune-influenced internetcore, and the hero’s journey as a collaborative effort, Onward by Lammoth uses atmospheric black metal to retell the story of The Lord of the Rings from the perspective of Bill the Pony. Musically, influences from black metal and dungeon synth introduce their trademark tremolo guitars, screeched vocals, and lo-fi synths, but an unexpected pivot towards the bright, high-energy landscape of chiptune redefines this record as something as whimsical as it is expansive. By centering the narrative on a former side character, Lammoth turns heroism into something attributable to a group rather than an individual, rewarding the team member who maintained faith in his fellow traveler through the darkest moments with a dazzling spotlight. Though we all commandeer some kind of hero’s journey through our lives, playing the supporting role in a group effort should provide us just as much dignity as those achievements which we assume to be self-made, and our belief in and reliance upon one another ought to be celebrated as strength rather than condemned as weakness.