Comprising of past members of Moanaa (who we have featured here several times and apparently are on hold), Voidsmoker and Forge Of Clouds, this appears to be a new project for the Polish players to collaborate on. With a name like Grief Circle one would not necessarily anticipate a happy go lucky listening experience on what is described as a post-metal, doom project and as ‘Cursed’ bruises in with a huge bass heavy heft and vocals beefier than a herd of cows it seems as though this is going to be at the denser end of the musical spectrum. Hold on though, in sweep clean harmonic croons over the top as well, perhaps there’s a bit more to this than originally predicted? Indeed, despite the opener rocking hard with big riffs, burly ballast and bruising of bones there’s certainly more to this as the quartet dig in and spread their antagonism into brighter realms.
There’s plenty of airy patches to focus on between the powerful and rugged surges and you can lose yourself in the expansive flow as things coast off, the sludge moving into melodic post-rock arid patches and the spreading instrumental soundscapes give you other aspects to focus on. ‘Hangman’ for instance does not tighten the noose around the neck and drop its captive to a quick and violent neck-breaking jolt. It plays around with them like a cat with a mouse via meandering bass and light vocal shades. Sure, you know the plunge is eventually going to come but over its 9-minute duration its in no great hurry and we are on tenterhooks as we too wait for a limb quaking descent. The band are good at counterpoising shades of light and dark here and its melodically captivating stuff. When some shuddering grooves and harsh indignant vocal barks plough in, it is almost a relief and a dynamic one too as the track finally shakes rattles and rolls. The hangman may have delivered judgement but rest assured you are going to be banging your head along.
There’s great sound definition in here with all the instruments getting a voice and their own clarity and the vocals are far from one dimensional too. If anything, the twang and clean toned ‘Outward Spiral’ takes us in a mellower stoner direction before about turning in on itself like an exploding star. A third vocal aspect along with the fierce barks is something else to contend with now too, as rafter-raising stadium bellows form along with them. The 6 tracks are all pretty lengthy and provides plenty to dig into, from moody instrumental passages to sudden violent bouts of aggression. As last number ‘Four Worlds’ drifts hazily by there’s a blissful moment before the anchor is again cast and you really can appreciate how mood is turned with pin-drop precision. It’s this varied approach that really has endeared me to this album and I’ve enjoyed taking a journey into its myriad folds time and again. Whatever caused combustion of past projects it has clearly been honed into this well-focused rebirth. Grief Circle have pulled things off here with a ‘Weightless’ ease that’s certainly worthy of attention.
(8/10 Pete Woods)
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