I went to check out the credentials of this band but unfortunately my initial general search led me to a lot of advice about post death legal documents and settling disputes. The reality of this nicely packaged album couldn’t be more different. Thanks to the label, I was able to learn that this second album from Wills Dissolve is in summary a 32-minute exploration of the loneliness and sacrifice of astro-technological advancement, and of the cosmos through space in search of another planet. I listened to the teaser and the trailer and it was clear that this is a band with a vision. It’s interesting to note that Wills Dissolve draw on the likes of Opeth, Enslaved and Swallow the Sun.
Houston calling … it’s eerie out there in space. The journey begins. “Echoes” is one movement – I’ll call it that rather than a mundane track. The singer’s voice mirrors the haunting scene. The musical development is decidedly that of Opeth. The picture builds up gradually. It’s an unknown world and Wills Dissolve bring mystery. Five minutes in, it becomes harsh both musically and vocally. A distant voice contrasts with the new leaden-heavy atmosphere. Technical metal is mixed in, and we now have a multi-coloured spectrum. At this stage you have to be ok about changes and transformations when listening to this. I would have liked a little more time to indulge in these rich tapestries as we work through many evocative scenes. The instrumentals represent ferocity as a Haken style high end vocal is superimposed before the world becomes completely black. This gives way to a lush and soft acoustic scene, matched by the reflective style and content of the lyrics. There is equilibrium. There is a now a welcome sense of timelessness. This world does not stand still however and like a rush of blood the tempo quickens and the mood gets harsher. The sound becomes more sinister and sampled, growls match the dark drum progression. The scene is now weighty. A technical flurry bursts in like a cosmic storm. The situation is becoming critical. The despairing vocalist seems to be battling against the elements as a whirlwind of heavy sounds breaks out, slows down and reappears. A heavy progressive death metal passage ensues. There’s no time for reflection now. This is an uncompromising place. The storm passes and to a melancholic-sounding acoustic background, the vocalists reflect on the status of their lives and the emptiness around them. Now we can imbibe the solitary scene and the accompanying musicianship. Like a threat, the music gets heavier and discomforting. Drums roll, sounds get distorted and growls return. It’s dark and dangerous out there. The end is chilling and sad as our intrepid travellers reflect once more on the hopeless cause. The capsule is damaged, oxygen is lost and all that is left is the cold and endless void to ponder and the vision of the narrator’s body being carried away to the abyss.
This is an album of many creative elements. My only criticism is that the journey moves too quickly at the start. I’d have liked more time to absorb the rich passages. But I settled into the musical and lyrical journey, through which Wills Dissolve expertly guide us. “Echoes” is a powerful and imaginative album.
(8/10 Andrew Doherty)
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