This well established Swiss act is a new proposition for me, and with the internet offering easy access to hear previous material I was tempted to do so but reading through the promotional literature accompanying the release I decided not to as it seemed that this fifth album marks a change in line up and vocal style, but still anchored by founder Michael Schindl whose song writing prowess is exceptional. This is a big release both in duration and in terms of the complex musicality which has some astounding chord progression work typical of the post-hardcore sub genre.
The opening piece of “The Enemy” has a densely heavy guitar sound but the clean vocals soften the music extensively and that single trait makes this release unique. The often slightly wandering tone on the vocals also add textural dimensions within the songs making them feel almost spacey, shoe-gaze like even. Into “Submersible Words” and here the tune begins emotively, but possesses a blast creating chaotic dysfunction which adds personality. The blasting section is dense, fast and out of character and you may not even notice it as I hold comparisons of the band’s music with The Ocean on their latter day material. The pulsating bass tones in “Great Gendarme” produce a post hardcore groove that feels progressive but accessible, especially with the underlying guitar hook. The gentle and tranquil beginning of “Black Horse” has a doleful but harmonic tone with the vocals drifting about, and as the song progresses there is a Cult Of Luna aspect to the music overall. Experimentation is key to this album with “Mute” offering more heaviness before shifting into a post metal sludge assault. “Uncomfortable Life” caught me out a tad as I couldn’t help but think about Katatonia, though this is heavier, but the vocal style is very reminiscent.
Closing this release is “God Rules His Empire”, an 11 minute plus dour epic that takes the experimentation to new levels but still retaining that Cult Of Luna attitude and character. The song is packed with repetition but with each section meandering within each other, creating knots of progressive inventiveness the song flashes by. The vocals are a touch harsher too and accompanied by some roars and growls. This album caught me unawares by its splendour, a rich and diverse set of tunes that are as evocative as they are imaginative.
(8/10 Martin Harris)
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