This album was one of my favorites from 2015. So Hideous decided to release an orchestral only version of “Laurestine.” I suppose the real artist is not So Hideous but rather The First Light Orchestra, who did all of the strings and choir for the album.

This version of the album accomplishes two main things. For one it shows just how incredible the playing is by The First Light Orchestra. Often, the playing is down right HEAVY and it’s just strings! It also points out just how crucial The First Light Orchestra is to the overall sound of the album itself.

This mix does show the songs in a very different light (get it?). “Relinquish” in particular sounds even more beautiful in this form. Elsewhere, “Yesteryear” and “The Keepsake” show just how this orchestra ATTACKED some of their parts. It’s quite amazing. This is actual “symphonic metal.”

This mix doesn’t replace the original of course but if you loved “Laurestine,” I think you will find the orchestral version to be quite compelling. This is a bold move by the band and its label. Most of all, congrats to The First Light Orchestra, who are given the full spotlight on their amazing talents.

Rating: 9/10

Tracklist:
1. YesterYear
2. Hereafter
3. Relinquish
4. The Keepsake
5. Falling Cedars
6. The True Pierce
7. A Faint Whisper

Label: Prosthetic Records
Bandcamp: sohideous.bandcamp.com