An interesting turn of events made that not long ago, I got introduced to Frayle. Immediately hooked, their latest gem and third full-length ‘Heretics & Lullabies’ has gotten quite a few spins already and will probably end up somewhere in my favourite releases in 2025.
Being a rising star in the genre, this is the band’s first release with Napalm Records, which contributed to the way they came to my attention.
Best described as ‘gothic doom’ or maybe atmospheric blackgaze, the core of the Frayle consist of front woman (or should I say dark goddess) Gwyn Strang and guitar player Sean Bilovecky. Their trademark unique sound is highly recognizable, and some might find a lack of variation for a third album. But I disagree with that, and the deeper you dive into the album, the more appreciation you’ll build up.
The perfectly timed album (right before Halloween) starts with what I find one of the best songs, Walking Wounded’. Already released as a single back in July, it’s one of the songs that will stick in your head. The chorus is atmospheric doomy, yet very catchy, I might even say it’s almost getting close to pop music. I can’t help but think of Within Temptation every now and then. If you’re deep down into the doom metal rabbit hole, I can imagine this might be a tough song to swallow, but I say it works. Mainly because of Strang her eccentric voice, it stays edgy enough to keep the masses away.
Already the second song on the album is a cover, ‘Summertime Sadness’, originally by Lana Del Rey, has been giving a personal by Frayle, and it works absolutely perfect.
I’m not going to make this a track-by-track article, but third song ‘Boo’, is one to mention as well. Even though inspired by a personal event, you’ll find a hint of Bloody Mary in it as well. I still am not sure how I think about the (male) screams on this, I’m not the biggest fan of the particular sound, but they do fit ‘Boo’ very well and grow on me every spin of this album. The only other song with male vocals ‘Heretic’, is a perfect example of the cinematic darkness that rules this album. The extremeness and heavier sound of this song makes it one of the highlights on the album.
Where Strang her bewitching voice is obviously leading through the album, the contrast with the heavy guitar-play in a song like “Glass Blown Heart’ is something I appreciate.
The overall haunting vibe of this album is perfect for this season of the year, but honestly, I could appreciate it at any time. If this is the direction their gothic doom metal is heading to, sign me up, because with an album like this, I expect this is just the beginning of Frayle their breakthrough.
Label: Napalm Records
Release Date: October 10, 2025
Rating: 85/100
Tracklist:
1 Walking Wounded
2 Summertime Sadness
3 Boo
4 Demons
5 Souvenirs Of Your Betrayal
6 Glass Blown Heart
7 Hymn For The Living
8 Run
9 Heretic
10 Only Just Once
