Distances are a post-metal/atmospheric sludge band from the US and this is their fourth album, (assuming you count 2016’s covers album Rip Offs).
Now here’s an interesting and involved release. I like something a bit different, and across the 65 minutes of material on this album Distance cover a lot of…ahem…distance.
Okay, I’ll get my coat…
Anyway…the music on this album is multifaceted, rich, and textured. The songs lay out a journey for the listener to follow, taking in various stops at different styles along the way. The band’s post-metal style incorporates aspects of progressive, sludge, atmospheric, doom, and black metal, all of which are merged together in such a way that post-metal probably is the best term to use for the music, albeit one that’s not quite fully evocative of what Distances have to offer.
Although the bulk of the music is nuanced and compelling enough in its own right, there’s an added emotive allure that comes from the use of violin. This is wielded just like any of the other instruments used on this album, and is fully embedded in the fabric of the band, rather than being a bolt on. It really does add something special to Diableries, and the band are to be commended on not only its inclusion, but its skilful deployment.
The music is well-written and has clearly been carefully crafted into the final form that you see today. The entire album comes across as a labour of love, one that’s tinged with all kind of heartfelt and dark emotions, which bleed out into the apocalyptic music with a barely-restrained violence that’s quite impressive. Frequently bands like this veer on the slower, more introspective side of things, but not Distances; although they certainly operate in these areas, this is an album of layered aggression and emotive harshness. This is ultimately more metal, than post-.
If you think a mix of Light Bearer, Cult of Luna, Lycus, Agrimonia, and others, you’ll have a good idea of where Distances are coming from, although it should be noted that this is only a starting point, and I love that Distances are very much carving their own path through the crowded metal landscape.
Well, this is something quite special. This is an album that’s a journey, destination, and exploration all at once. Essential for any forward-thinking and adventurous lover of extreme music.
3 thoughts on “Distances – Diableries (Review)”