This is the third album from Iapetus, a progressive death metal band from the US.
Following on from 2019’s impressive The Body Cosmic, (which performed very respectably at the end of the year), Iapetus return with the mighty The Mother Void. It’s a long, involved, and meticulously crafted affair that deserves plenty of time and attention.
The Mother Void is a 69-minute odyssey of progressive death metal. Joining the core of Iapetus are a range of musicians, including the singer of Eluveitie – Fabienne Erni. who puts in a sterling performance across the album. The lead vocals of Matthew Cerami are violently spat out with notable force, and Fabienne’s voice complements these wonderfully. Her voice adds another dimension to Iapetus’ already multidimensional sound.
The songs are lengthy and expressive, benefiting from strong songwriting and atmospheric depth. They make the listener want to invest in their worldbuilding abilities, as they provide an immersive tapestry of metallic soundscapes to become absorbed in. There’s a lot to take in, and it’s worth getting your bearings over multiple visits. After that, everything keeps being better and better, as The Mother Void reveals more and more of its true nature.
The music ranges effortlessly between aggression and atmosphere, frequently blurring the lines between the two, in fact. The musicianship is impeccably delivered, and every aspect of the record feels like it has been deliberately placed and finely tuned. Synth layers work well when needed, and the music carries rich melodies that are firmly embedded in the overall structures of the music. Progressive textures allow for songs that are epic and intricate, yet never lose sight of supplying an enjoyment factor that elevates them above what many ostensibly similar acts might be doing.
Basically, The Mother Void is a damn good record. It’s ambitious in scope, and in realisation well-rendered. The controlling minds behind Iapetus have clearly put the work in during the long years since The Body Cosmic, and The Mother Void more than meets any expectations heaped upon it.
Very highly recommended.
