Ever wonder what would happen if a band like Vinterriket stopped playing their brand of atmospheric ambient Black Metal and instead started playing atmospheric ambient Post-Metal instead? Of course you have. Well wonder no more! The result would probably sound much akin to Caves of Glass. This is my initial impression at any rate and it serves as a useful starting point for their sound.
From fuzzed up heavy riffing, to classical instrumentation, this is a varied and complete journey into feeling and effect. Heavy guitars meet Moby-style effects and ambience to chilling effect; all wrapped up in the type of recording normally reserved for Black Metal; good but grimey. This is beautiful music not afraid to get mired in the sludge. The vocals as well cover all points – clean, growled, Vinterriket-style almost-too-high-to-hear-screeching…very impressive.
This is a collaboration between members of about 6 different groups, so that would presumably account for the variety on offer here, as well as just how well everything fits together. All members obviously know what they are doing and must work well together as the songwriting and grasp of dynamics on display certainly equal the best of the Post-Metal bands around today. Some of the parts of this album are just hair-raising. They are seriously that good.
This is a band that takes you on a journey through darkness and light, aggression and peace. An album for people who enjoy the distance travelled as well as the final destination. An album that grows and gets better with repeated listens. An album that has a lot to offer open minds and adventurers in sound.
I came across this band essentially by accident – it was recommended to me via Twitter. Now I’m recommending it in turn. You won’t be disappointed.
Favourite track: Barren Earth
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