AMETHYST - Throw Down the Gauntlet (Review)

Written by: Blackie Skulless

Oh boy, just what we need! Another heavy metal act sharing a name with like ten other bands! Actually, that’s precisely what we need. Switzerland’s Amethyst is pretty new to the game, taking fruition only a couple years ago and giving us a short EP in that time. Earlier in 2024, they dropped their first full-length that took the community by storm pretty quickly. As we wrap up the year, I can say that Throw Down The Gauntlet is definitely worthy of some praise.

On the surface, Amethyst packs together the things that I loved about Canada’s Freeways and Norway’s Flight, while adding a layer of metallic boost. In other words, the very foundation of this record pretty much avoids anything overly heavy, trading that angst for melody, soft vocals, and bouncy grooves. Yet, the riff structures themselves could easily be traced to the influences of the ‘70s metal acts, fitting in with cleaner blows not unlike Scorpions or perhaps Rainbow. I know, I basically just described the band’s sound by using derivatives of other bands, which should tell you that it isn’t the most original take on the genre.

---

What it also means is that Throw Down The Gauntlet holds strength in the fact that it feels timeless and builds an identity on optimistic energy, and strong emotion, without looking like just a throwback band. Some of the heavier tunes bask in bassier rumbles and stronger shifts in tone, like “Stand Up And Fight,” utilizing swift drum techniques and bass layers to insulate solos. Actually, the fact that they seem to sneak solos into moments that might feel unorthodox so smoothly is another thing the Swiss quintet is good at. “Queen Of A Thousand Burning Hearts” works in some feel-good suspense, beautiful vocal harmony, and the strongest guitar leads on the record.

Yet, you may just prefer the more straightforward numbers, and there’s no shortage of those either. Opener “Embers On The Loose” starts us off with fantastic speeds and a catchy chorus that can easily become an earworm. The shorter “Take Me Away” also scratches that itch, building around sturdy gallops, along with “Rock Knights,” which taps into the simplistic side of things. These serve to break up what is otherwise a disc full of songs on the longer end, using that word somewhat liberally. Don’t worry, it never comes off as awkward, and the one-dimensional nature works in favor of the endorphin-fueled chops.

Like I mentioned, this may not be the most original thing you’ll ever hear. I gave a decent plethora of metal outfits that take the exact same approach of softening and deburring every edge you could possibly find. But it’s still a refreshing listen, as it amps up the vibrance to ten, without losing its metal-oriented foundation, and sneaks in some tricks of its own. I may take a risk in saying that it might have been overhyped a bit at the beginning, but after sitting with it for a while, I’m glad to have snagged myself a copy. It’s a smooth-sailing groovefest for days.

AMETHYST - Throw Down the Gauntlet was released Sept. 27th, 2024 via No Remorse

---

Amethyst can be found:
Facebook
​Instagram