Metalcatto
To say I’m a Gorod fan is an understatement. If you’re into Tech Death and don’t know these guys, then stay put because I’m about to do you a favor. Yes, France also has potent bands in this niche too. The real question is if The Ember Gone is going to be able to top the band’s epic catalog. It won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. Let the shredding begin.
I believe that The Ember Gone has taken a similar approach to Archspire with its technicality. One can only shred so far. Hence, Gorod has decided to take a more atmospheric approach. That doesn’t mean you’ll be able to play this. It’s still full of face-melting passages that serve a clear purpose. Gorod doesn’t throw punches for free. Every note, every blur, has meaning and direction. All delivered in a compact and digestible package as usual. The riffs are sharp, the rhythms are intricate, and the whole thing feels like a masterclass in controlled chaos.
You might be here for the brutality, but the most interesting parts of The Ember Gone are when the band decides to take a softer approach. The clean parts are such a strong contrast to the filthy ones. It shows a band ready to take risks and explore new ideas. And that’s exactly what Gorod does—it tries something different. Something almost no Tech Death band dares to do: going slow. Yet everything still feels like a musical masterclass. The dynamics shift unexpectedly, and the band proves that heaviness doesn’t always have to come from speed.
I’m going to be nitpicky now, just because some other blogs were earlier than me and I want to add to the discussion. The Ember Gone is slightly weird. It’s a Tech Death album with feels. That might alienate a lot of people. At times, the decisions can be too far from your expectations, especially when compared to the band’s previous work. I don’t see a huge problem, but we could have indeed had a stronger closing act—or at least that’s my complaint. The ending feels a bit abrupt, and given how carefully the rest of the album builds its atmosphere, it leaves you wanting just a little more.
Gorod is still a gem that, luckily, is not too hidden anymore. The band continues to innovate, and though its identity remains intact, The Ember Gone shows that it can have more layers than it seems. It might not be A Perfect Absolution or A Maze of Recycled Creeds, nor does it repeat themes in terms of the concepts explored, but it’s still a worthy addition to these guys’ impressive run. So if you’re a fan, you’ll find plenty to love here. If you’re new, this is a great entry point. And if you’re skeptical, give it a spin—you might just be surprised.
Label: Base Productions
Release date: August 28, 2026
Website: https://gorodofficial.com/
Country: France
Score: 3.8/5.0 ( I might revise it later!)
Metal Eclipse Reviews 