This is the 2nd album from this Oakland band with 4 monster tracks. This came to me as it is sort of sludge from US, but that definition could be limited to what these guys have got going on.
This has a slower developing style to it with more leaning to open chords. Think more Thou/Neurosis than EHG traditional territory. And there’s definitely a blackened metal feel there.
Lightless – This has a trance like atmosphere that builds and builds on this 11-minute beast through feedback and stray guitar notes. The vocals are quite unique and for the uninitiated, Definitely reminded me of Thou here, and in a good way.
Open veins – At around ten minutes, you should be getting the idea now. The ringing, picked chord here leads you into walls of doom, and these vocals are truly something else.
Cruciform – There is a crushing apathy to this album, and is relentless in its reproach. Another ten-minute monster and probably the least experimental feeling song.
Glowing wounds – The vocals break away here into much more melodic territory. I always like when a band take a bit of a chance and often a lot of their creativity comes out on their final track, and it shows here.
It’s quite unlike anything I have heard before but while not my area of specialty, I found it interesting enough.
A very intense album, probably one of the darkest my weathered ears have ever heard.
Release Year: 2015
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: USA
Reviewed by Matt
