Edenbridge – ‘Set The Dark On Fire’

(Steamhammer)

Edenbridge’s Set The Dark On Fire is a confident, beautifully layered slab of symphonic metal that knows exactly what it wants to be and pulls it off with style.

Edenbridge have never been a band that chases trends. They refine, they polish, and they evolve just enough to stay interesting without alienating the faithful. Set The Dark On Fire sits firmly in that sweet spot. This is symphonic metal that leans more toward atmosphere and melody than brute force, but don’t mistake that for softness. There’s weight here, emotional, musical, and thematic.

Right out of the gate, the album establishes a cinematic tone. Big orchestral sweeps, shimmering keyboards, and layered guitars work together like a well-rehearsed machine. The production is clean and expansive without feeling sterile. Every instrument has space to breathe, which is crucial for a band that relies so heavily on texture and dynamics. Headphones are highly recommended; there’s a lot going on under the surface.

Vocalist Sabine Edelsbacher remains one of Edenbridge’s greatest strengths. Her voice is elegant, expressive, and commanding without ever drifting into operatic excess. She has a knack for riding the emotional core of a song, whether it’s soaring above the orchestra or pulling things back into a more intimate space. On this album especially, her vocal melodies feel carefully crafted to stick with you long after the final note fades.

Musically, mastermind Arne “Lanvall” Stockhammer continues to prove why he’s so respected in the symphonic metal world. His songwriting balances grandeur with restraint. The riffs are there when needed, but they never overpower the orchestral elements. Instead, guitars and symphonics are woven together, reinforcing each other rather than competing for dominance. It’s a subtle but important distinction, and one Edenbridge have clearly mastered.

The album’s pacing deserves special mention. At no point does Set The Dark On Fire feel bloated or directionless. Each track flows naturally into the next, maintaining momentum while still offering enough variation to keep things fresh. Faster, more driving moments are offset by mid-tempo grooves and sweeping, emotionally charged passages. It’s the kind of album that rewards full, front-to-back listens rather than cherry-picking individual tracks.

Lyrically, the band explores familiar symphonic metal territory, light versus darkness, inner strength, transformation, but does so with sincerity rather than cliché. The themes feel personal and reflective, matching the album’s overall mood. There’s a sense of resilience running through the record, an underlying message about confronting shadows rather than running from them. The execution is strong, and the emotional intent comes through clearly.

What really stands out is how mature this album sounds. Edenbridge aren’t trying to prove anything at this stage of their career. They sound comfortable in their skin, confident in their identity, and focused on delivering quality over spectacle. That confidence translates into songs that feel purposeful and composed rather than overstuffed or overly dramatic.

If you’re coming into this album expecting blistering aggression or extreme-metal theatrics, you might find it a bit too refined. But if you appreciate symphonic metal that values melody, atmosphere, and craftsmanship, Set The Dark On Fire hits the mark. Fans of bands like Nightwish (particularly the more restrained eras), Within Temptation, or Delain will feel right at home here.

After multiple listens, what lingers most is the album’s emotional cohesion. This isn’t just a collection of songs it’s a carefully constructed journey. The highs feel earned, the quieter moments feel necessary, and the overall experience leaves a lasting impression rather than a quick sugar rush.

‘The Ghostship Diaries’ is a cinematic opener that sets the tone perfectly. Sweeping orchestration, moody atmosphere, and a slow-building sense of mystery pull you straight into the album’s world. It feels like the curtain rising on a symphonic stage show.

‘Cosmic Embrace’ is Edenbridge in their comfort zone: big melodies, lush keyboards, and a driving rhythm that keeps things moving. Sabine’s vocal hooks in fast and stays with you, this is classic symphonic metal done right.

‘Where The Wild Things Are’ – The guitars step forward, giving the track a slightly heavier edge while still keeping things melodic. Energetic and adventurous, this one injects some muscle into the album’s early stretch.

‘Our Place Among The Stars’ is uplifting and expansive, this song feels tailor-made for the album’s cosmic themes. Strong chorus, soaring arrangements, and a sense of optimism that lifts the mood without drifting into cheese.

‘Set The Dark On Fire’ brings urgency and purpose. The riffs tighten up, the chorus hits hard, and the song feels like the album’s mission statement, light versus darkness, delivered with confidence and punch.

‘Bonded By The Light’ is smooth and melodic, this one emphasizes connection and unity. It’s less aggressive but emotionally warm, with layered vocals and a steady, reassuring groove.

‘Lighthouse’ is one of the album’s more intimate moments. Cleaner textures and a reflective mood give this track breathing room, acting as a calm before the epic finale sequence.

‘Spark Of The Everflame – Let Time Begin’ – The opening chapter of the album’s multi-part suite eases us in with atmosphere and anticipation. Think mood-setting rather than immediate payoff.

‘Spark Of The Everflame – The Winding Road To Evermore’ - Momentum builds here, blending melody and orchestration into a sense of forward motion. It feels like the journey truly begins.

‘Spark Of The Everflame – Per Aspera Ad Astra’ – The emotional and musical peak of the suite. Grand, dramatic, and uplifting, this is Edenbridge firing on all cylinders.

‘Spark Of The Everflame – Where It Ends, Where It Starts’ provides a satisfying conclusion that ties the album together. Reflective, hopeful, and beautifully composed, it leaves you with a sense of completion and the urge to hit play again.

Set The Dark On Fire is a strong entry in Edenbridge’s catalogue and a reminder of why symphonic metal continues to resonate when it’s done right. It’s polished without being plastic, heavy without being overwhelming, and melodic without losing its edge. Not a reinvention, but a refinement and sometimes, that’s exactly what the genre needs.

Turn it up, let it wash over you, and give it the time it deserves. This one grows with every listen and that’s always a good sign in my book

7/10

Essential Track – ‘Cosmic Embrace’

Review by Woody