Wrack is a one man progressive/post-metal band from the US.
Here we have 28 minutes of heavy, angular, jagged music. It starts strong, continues to be strong, and ends strong. Yep, this is a very strong release indeed.
Okay, so that word has lost all meaning now. Let’s talk about the muscular, beefy riffs then. This is a post-metal release that’s not afraid to emphasise the metallic side of the style. There’s plenty of post-here though too, along with a firm, heavy, progressive edge. Winding melodies, churning percussion, and thoughtful structuring mean that the music on this release is enjoyably harsh, while still having atmosphere and depth.
I like the vocals too. Nastier and more growl-based than you might expect, the vocals are both forceful and expressive. The singer has a decent violent range, but it’s the deep growls that are the most effective for me. Hell, it’s all damn good, but I can’t help but have a preference.
I really like that this is offering something a bit different to what most ostensibly similar bands do. With a firm emphasis on the heavier side of modern music, while still incorporating some different ideas into the lengthy tracks, this is music to stomp and destroy to, while still allowing for a certain atmospheric introspection while you do so.
A solid, thick production makes the music pop, and there’s plenty of punch and vigour to be had here. The energetic riffs and interesting drums are allowed to breathe and come to life, while the leads and solos are colourful and bright. This may be an underground solo act, but it sounds as professionally-recorded as you’d want.
So, as I started out by saying – this is a strong release, very strong indeed. The artist behind Wrack has succeeded in releasing something that’s more individual than most. Focusing on the heavier aspects of post-metal, incorporating some harsh progressive elements into long songs, dialling up the aggression here and there with speed and bite, and topping it all off with some wonderfully grim, nasty vocals, Hollow Sun is an adventurous release that travels a post-metal path less frequented.
Very highly recommended.
