This is the latest EP from US post-metal band A Province of Thay.
According to the promo blurb – “This album is an amazing blend of doom and goth rock that takes the melodies of The Cure and combines them with heavy metal, into a unique whole.” Now, I don’t always put a lot of stock in a lot of promo blurb, as a lot of it is surprisingly misleading. However, in the case of A Province of Thay, I’d say that description is more accurate than most.
Atonement abounds with lush post-metal melodies, with a Gothic romance and a dark tragedy born of heartbreak and loss. Add a few post-hardcore influences and you have a compelling mix of emotional resonance and textured post-metal delivery.
The vocals just weep with pure emotion, saturating the already rich music with depth and meaning that is lacking from a lot of similar bands. The music holds up its end of the deal too, delivering a strong backing to the vocals. It structures them with a firm post-metal foundation that hugs its emotive core close to its metaphorical chest, sheltering it from the inevitable harm that comes with unburdening itself upon a harsh and uncaring world.
The resplendent melodies, doom-tinged echoes of woe and post-rock subtleties permeate every aspect of the songs, lending them a heavy gravitas that certainly doesn’t lack impact.
This is an incredibly strong release, filled with emotive force and strength of will. I urge you to get your hands on this, as it’s definitely a keeper.
Wonderbox Metal 