Årabrot are a Norwegian rock band and this is their eleventh album.
Recorded at the same time as its 2023 predecessor Of Darkness and Light, (the titular track of which is on this new record, and note the stylistically similar cover), Rite of Dionysus contains 43 minutes of new material.
Once again we are treated to a layered, textured, multifaceted album. Taking influence from who knows where, Årabrot’s music is expansive and expressive, delivering an intoxicating mixture of atmospheric depth and infectious hooks.
It’s music with substance, at once vast and intimate. This duality permeates Rite of Dionysus. The songs are in some ways more restrained and subtle than some of Årabrot’s work, yet they also sound Big and Epic despite this. They carry an air of confidentiality about them, almost like that of a close friend whispering their most private secrets to you. Deeply personal, yet shared freely, with trusting vulnerability.
The songs are well-written, idiosyncratic, and drip with emotive personality. It’s an album that’s cut from its own stylish cloth. Each track oozes with atypical class, showcasing Årabrot’s very individual sound across ten songs that pierce the heart and fixate the mind.
My only complaint out of the entirety of Rite of Dionysus is the track Mother, and that’s purely due to my hatred of spoken word. Although well-performed for sure, the song would be infinitely better as an instrumental, shorn of the speaking. It’s not a deal breaker for the album of course, and most wouldn’t be bothered by it I’m sure, but as usual I can’t help but object.
One misstep aside, Rite of Dionysus is an exemplary example of Årabrot at their most visceral and intimate. You won’t find their more upbeat, energetic, or distorted material on this album, but you will find an ocean of feeling into which to slowly lose yourself.
Yep, it’s another Årabrot album to savour at length. Make sure you spend time with Rite of Dionysus.
Wonderbox Metal 