The Podcast: Episode 32 (Different strokes to move the world)

It's a new year, and there are plenty of albums for us to review! This week, Murmaider takes a good, long listen to the new album by Aquilus. Hell22 had a mixed bag, with a flat effort by M.A.I.M. and yet another stellar outing by office favorite Alcest. Then we revisit a previous topic, from way back in episode 19. Side projects can be both good and bad. But we take a few minutes to applaud those who make their side project different from their main act. Diversity is the key to a great metal year, and these guys get it done.

Download the first part of this here.

And the second part can be had here.

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Kayo Dot - Gamma Knife (2012)

By now, it would be safe to assume that many people far and wide have seen and digested the movie "Inception." Well, friends, it may be time to experience the concept in a new way. On their latest album, the far reaching Brooklyn, New York based Kayo Dot have drawn you into a dream world. With massive woodwind sections, rumbling guitars and bass, and a taste for the theatrical, "Gamma Knife" may leave you with a feeling that you are listening to a song within a song, which is inside another song, which is on an album which is in your wildest dreams.

The choir of bells emerges through the silence, joined soon by layers of strings. And while this opening track, known as "Lethe" is both haunting and beautiful, it is merely a precursor for what is to come. A light voice is added to the mix as the strings begin to twirl and flutter onward. There is something inherently calming about the choral sections, with voice upon voice coming together in a wave of harmony. But as the heavens part, an odd roar begins to cut through. "Rite Of Goetic Evocation" finds distorted guitars becoming entwined with woodwinds and percussion, in an immense wall of sound and fury. The heaviness of the background is offset perfectly by the variety of instruments used to construct this foundation. It provides stability for the building to sway and shake with aggressive screaming vocals. At first, it may seem like muddled chaos. But beneath each layer is a sound all its own. As they crash and merge together, it becomes clear that they are pieces of the same whole.

Eclectic as the track before it, "Water Mirror, Lightning Night" begins with a frantic burst of instrumentation. From guitars to saxophone, bass to snares, the tornado of musical curiosity spins. There is an undeniable groove in each sax melody, each passing note taking you to different places. There is a soul, a flow to the way the music is presented, with each drum fill and distorted chord finding a home nestled in the sprawling landscapes of horns and strings. And while there is certainly a more structured "sludge" feel to "Ocellated God," it isn't long before this track, too, goes upside down. Bitter screams and growls fill the air, drawing some of the focus away from the music itself, allowing it all to boil, and ferment. Finally, at the most opportune moment, it all explodes in a thrashing of musical instruments that some may not have survived. The album ends on the most odd of notes, with the beautifully performed "Gamma Knife" containing little more than a piano melody and some light strings. It is played to perfection, sung to a heavenly accord, and left to fade into the night.

Those familiar with music as a whole have surely heard the term "avant garde" used to describe many an artists, from jazz to blues and so on. But it has never been more fitting a title than when applied to the stylings of Kayo Dot. And while the mix of standard metal instruments and big band classics comes off as an odd choice, it is beginning to become a proven formula, one that Kayo Dot execute to near flawless brilliance. They wind and weave through five tracks of sheer intelligence, carving out sounds and spaces the likes of which you may have never heard. "Gamma Knife" is as sharp as its title conveys, but as smooth as Coltrane ever played.

9/10

Official Site - http://www.kayodot.net/
Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/kayodot

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Mare Infinitum - Sea Of Infinity (2011)

Defining themselves as atmospheric black metal, Mare Infinitum brings you depressive sounds and demonic growls in their new album, entitled “Sea Of Infinity.” It’s five tracks of magnificent composing blackened by devilish vocals and overwhelming guitar riffs. They balance this well with a mix of gorgeous strings and angelic piano keys. The tracks run anywhere from nine to twelve minutes long so prepare yourself for this lengthy album.

Thundering drums rolls and mean guitar riffs blast into the first track, entitled “In Absence We Dwell.” Rumbling toms and snapping snares shake violently for the first two minutes of this 14 minutes masterpiece. Short clips of low demonic growling jump in and out between riffs as the distortion hits you in the face. Eerie string lay gently in the background while evil melodies continue to blare through the verse. The drum fills towards the middle of the song are absolutely mind blowing. Definitely make sure to check them out. The strings play more of a role as the song progresses to the five minute mark. Uplifting chords lift you for a slight moment as they layer them over the chugging guitar riffs. The dark growls take over with a devilish delivery. Soon after, everything becomes silent except for a light wind sound effect that lingers in the distance. As the wind whispers quietly, it begins to draw you in closer and closer as you are curiously waiting for what is next. Slowly enters a melancholy guitar riff full of depression and darkness. You are then surprisingly hit with clean vocals about nine and a half minutes in. This is followed by an eerie yet beautiful guitar solo that sweeps you off your feet with its gorgeous melodies. What a way to start off the album.

“Sea Of Infinity” is another lengthy track that runs for a little under ten minutes long. It starts with screaming guitars blasting from left to right. Each chord crashes right into the next as cymbals collide in the background. A light chant of clean vocals fade in for a short period of time but is then taken over by demonic growls. The two sets of vocals go back and fourth throughout the track as they are accompanied by a beautiful piano riff that adds light to this depressive scene. A melodic guitar solo rocks you to sleep towards the end of the song as soothing strings accompany them in slow depressive tempos.

Swampy guitars come rumbling in with heavy distortion in “Beholding The Unseen.“ The snare slams heavily in between each thumping kick in a very slow motion. More monstrous growls open up the first verse. Deep guitar chugging consumes the background. Halfway through the song, the growling vocals are mashed together with the clean vocals as they perform the same lyrics together giving clear and yet monstrous tones through the refrain. The delivery is phenomenal. “November Euphorio” develops a little more slower than the last track as depressive strings open up the song. About two minutes later enters piano riffs, booming drums and echoing guitars. Crying guitar solos take over most of the song as they are backed up with destructive minor chords and soft strings. The song goes back and forth from dark and depressing to absolutely beautiful.

“In The Name Of My Sin” is the closing track that runs for over twelve minutes long. They continue with their slow opening starts as repetitive guitar riffs take over the first three minutes of the song. Exploding drum fills collide in the background as monstrous growling vocals enter. More crying guitars enter shortly after as they surround you with sadness. The drum fills begin to get more detailed as well. Definitely make sure to listen closely. Ground shaking guitar riffs beat you down constantly throughout the rest of the song as the vocals destrioy you one last time.

Mare Infinitum does a tremendous job with the delivery of “Sea Of Infinity.” You’re able to capture every depressive detail with their slow tempos and melodies. The vocals are performed well throughout the entire album as they continued to knock down everything in their way. There were a few elements that really reminded me of the band Ahab. They carry a very similar style in their guitars and song structure. Definitely check out “Sea Of Infinity.” It’s an album you won’t want to miss.

8.5/10

Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/mare_infinitum_official

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Alcest - Les Voyages de L'âme (2012)

After reimagining the original EP, "Le Secret," and launching yet another side project, Old Silver Keys, Neige has returned to his main attraction, atmospheric post-black metal band Alcest. And oh, the pressures of releasing an album in the first week of a new year. In eight tracks, and some 51 minutes, he controls the fate of the metal world for 2012. Ok, maybe not. But... he could. On "Les Voyages de L'âme," or "journeys of the soul" for the uncultured like myself, Neige and company wander through the world of sound and color, discovering endless forests of sadness and beauty. Happy New Year, indeed.

The decision that most bands face is which song best fits the "lead" role, with so much momentum hanging in the balance. The first single from the album, "Autre Temps," fits the bill to perfection, beginning with softly played notes, evolving into clean strumming. It is enough to welcome you, while also catching your ear with the melody. After a sweetly delivered verse, the chorus erupts with a flurry of drum fills and beautiful chanting vocals. The layered soundscapes that are created here are vintage Alcest, with a bittersweet combination of purity and melancholy seeing you through the haze. This isn't a b-side from "Ecailles de Lune," but rather a step in a more emotional direction. The more atmospheric "Là Où Naissent Les Couleurs Nouvelles" follows, with a strong focus on distorted, but manageable, guitar riffs leading the way. The emergence of a smooth, flowing bass line takes things to a new level. The drumming has been elevated as well, with a myriad of fills, rolls, and precisely timed cymbal crashing sizzling through your speakers. The more raw black metal style makes an appearance, but with a noticeable difference. The vocals have less of effects laden take, with Neige's scream coming through in the most dynamic form, rather than coated with delay and reverb. The driving riffs that dominate the second half of the track will surely burrow into your mind, lingering for days after.

The title track to the album,"Les Voyages de L'âme," emits a blue glow from it's down tempo verse section. But the double kicks roll through the bridge and chorus sections with all the fury of a perfect storm. The build up is incredible, from simple notes to an immense wall of sound and sadness. The emotional weight carried in Neige's voice is tremendous, even for those of us who simply do not have the mental capacity to speak French. It is as if, at times, language is a state of mind. One that, when absorbed can change your mood without any idea of "understanding." Ahem. Sorry. Got a little sidetracked there. Moving on to "Nous Sommes L'Emeraude," a track which finds Alcest at their melodic best, the rich layered guitars take a spotlight all their own. Lightly strummed clean notes fall together with rapid distorted chords in a fractured harmony. Once again, the drums deserve mention, whether it be for the simple things like keeping time, and playing each portion with deadly precision, or for the more intricate fills that tie verse and chorus together. This is a band, a sound, that has evolved into something far beyond previous efforts.

A delicate chanting female voice opens "Beings Of Light," with light synthesizers taking up the rear. The beauty of the intro isn't truly seen until the bands erupts from inside, rapid drumming and chords tearing through the fabric. There is no relaxing from this point on, with this tempo keeping up for nearly the entire six minutes of the track. High speed distortion, paired with chanting, melodic vocals, all forming a perfect match. It seems to fade away far too soon, despite an extended playing time. But stumbling right into "Faiseurs De Mondes" is a piece of planning that should be commended. The music remains melodic and moving, while the vocals descend into a dark place, taking a raw approach in the verse. But, as is the norm, there is a give and take between harsh and heavenly, with the latter seeing it's fair share of time here. The clean guitar work is refreshing after the assault of the previous nine or so minutes. There is a relaxing quality to be found, putting you at ease, but feeling somehow empty at the same time. The pairing of dark and light isn't limited to one style, but there is a flip side as well. The heavy, demonic music can just as easily split time with lighter vocals, as it does here. Rattling drums and guitars can add to the atmospheric tone. The soft, clean interlude "Havens" gives you a moment to breathe and reflect on the previous six tracks, while preparing you for the closing track, "Summer's Glory." There is an understated, simple beauty in each and every note, chord and snare. One that defies description, and simply must be heard to be enjoyed.
 
Neige and his work with Alcest are not easily pigeonholed into one style or genre. He walks a path that, in my experience, has yet to be explored. The ability to somehow juxtapose the differing styles is what keeps you listening, and what keeps the album flowing from one track to the next. And while this album is certainly a lateral movement from the previous work, they do share common ground. Everything you loved about "Le Secret," "Souvenirs de Autre Monde," and "Ecailles de Lune" can all be found in the shades of blue and gray that the "journeys of the soul" have to offer. But doesn't it just sound better to call it "Les Voyages de L'âme"?

9.5/10

Official Site - http://www.alcest-music.com/
Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/alcestmusic

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M.A.I.M. - The Frozen Pass (2011)

Hailing from Belluno, Italy,  Celtic folk six piece M.A.I.M. are wandering a slippery slope. they have taken all of the dance-inducing melodies of new wave folk metal, and slammed them face first into the punk scene, causing some sort of musical fender bender. And while those two styles may not seem entirely different, there are subtleties to each that must be addressed and appeased. On "The Frozen Pass," this group of newcomers better watch their step, or risk sliding down the icy path.

With an intro like "...And The Journey Begins," you are left with a feeling that this will be an epic and grandiose offering. Some lightly played synthesizers and pianos are all that greet you, but they are performed with a touch of grace and power. Unfortunately, the sparkling clarity of this intro does not carry over into the rest of the album. Immediately upon entering "Dark Wings Over Me," you notice a distinct problem in the mix. There is a uneven nature to the sound, with rhythm guitars barely making a splash. It sounds more like a drum and bass track with vocals over it at the onset. And while the lead guitars do emerge later, they rarely make a true impact on the music, sans for the wailing solo section. However, the fiddle and gang vocals do exactly as intending, maybe even bringing you to your feet for a quick jig.

That same condition unfortunately befalls the following track, the uptempo "Four Kings." If ever there was a home for the punk sound in the metal world, Celtic folk would certainly be the place. The band take on all of the characteristics of a strong folk metal band, while somehow channeling the energy of the Dropkick Murphys. The fiddle is the lead, driving you every inch of the way. Once again, the gang attack on the vocal chorus is refreshing, as simple as it may be. This is the strongest track on the album, offering some of the more glowing musicianship in the later half of the song. With a burst, "Beyond The Horizon" finally gives a little kick to the sound quality, seeing a noticeable jump in the levels. That punk sound is still present, perhaps even taking the lead. The vocals bring to mind the latest, and only, album by the band Hell, coming through with a shrieking tone that will easily command your attention. But oddly enough, despite the improvement in sound, this track sees the least effective guitar work, with the solo portion falling flat.

The fiddle melody that opens "Under The Winter Sun" gets things moving in the right direction, but as the band fall further into the punk realm, and farther from the metal riffs that kept the early moments alive, things seem to lose steam. There is a lack of punch, a lack of the "in your face" kind of melodies that the folk genre is so famous for. Each separate section feels like it was conceived out of necessity, rather than cohesion. Combine the lack of emotional investment with some of the sloppier instrumentals on the album, and you may come to a grinding halt. And, unfortunately for the band and the listener, "Glory Bound" is anything but. While it may finally have the right idea, the delivery just falls short of the intentions. And while the mix is once again askew, it can't be blame for the problems the finale exhibits.

M.A.I.M. seem to be in the midst of an identity crisis. To be punk, or to be metal; that is the question. And while there is certainly room for both to coexist, they must do so while sharing a common need for power and precision. The punk outbursts are energetic, but lack the balls to get your head moving. The metal portions, as sparse as they may be, lack the attention to detail to turn a meandering riff into a true song. Whether they chose to go one route or the other, it appears they slipped and broke a hip on "The Frozen Pass."

5/10

Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/maimbelluno

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Aquilus - Griseus (2011)

True classical talent is shown by the band Aquilus. The Australian outfit has released their new album, entitled “Griseus.” They manage to mix a lot of classical tones to the atmospheric black metal that we are already used to. If Beethoven were alive today, this is probably the kind of music he would be making right now. The band uses many different instruments to capture their sound and even manage to add dark devilish growls occasionally. The song writing is excellent as you will see that they clearly put a lot of time and effort in composing each track. The album is eight songs long and most of them average to about 10 minutes long. Each one unique in its own way.

Slow eerie strings come creeping in to open up the album. The first track is called “Nihil” and runs for an epic 14 minutes long. After the first minute of strings go by, you’re met with acoustic guitars mixed with electric guitars and screaming growls that will send chills down your spine. Booming drums take over the background with snapping snares and high clashing cymbals. Later enters chanting vocals as the guitars become more aggressive and begin chugging away to the muddy bass lines and bombing kick drums. Short guitar solos jump in and out throughout the track so you definitely have to pay close attention. About five minutes in all of the instruments drop except for an acoustic guitar that is layered with soothing strings behind it. The gorgeous melodies draws you closer into the song as beautiful piano notes begin to chime in. Can you believe there is all of this in one song and you’ve only gotten to the halfway point. The piano riffs start to lean more towards the dark tones as more soft strings fade in slowly. At this point, the song has taken a complete change in direction as it lean more towards the sound of an atmospheric soundtrack that you would hear on a Lord Of The Rings movie. Layers and layers of orchestrated strings come together as the track builds more and more. Soon enters these huge splashing cymbals that really help caption an image of what is going on. Even distorted guitar start to fade back in slightly just underneath all of the symphonic strings. As the instruments start to fade you come across a short outro that is filled with dark acoustic guitars and evil melodic strings.

You are then introduced to a mysterious piano riff in “Loss.” Strings slowly float in the background as you are hypnotized for the first two minutes of the track. Hell raising guitar riffs come blaring in afterwards. They are joined by more chanting vocals and simple drumming. You are then hit with a huge wall of violent riffs and drum fills that will absolutely destroy you. The song structure is incredible as you will see the constant change in melody and instrument throughout his track. The middle of the song consists mainly of stunning piano riffs wrapped in warm orchestrated strings. You will fine some very impressive piano rolls in this one. Things start to get a little heavier towards the end of the song as chugging distorted guitars come blasting back in along with demonic growls on top. You’re also met with more chanting vocals that consume the background. You really don’t get to many growls in these tracks but when you do they will knock you on your ass.

If you’re looking for an aggressive track to bang your head to, then you’ll love songs like “Smokefall” and Latent Thistle.” Right out of the gate come ripping guitar riffs with exploding drums that will have you bashing your head and throwing up your devil horns in no time. Devilish growls enter for a short period while the relentless guitars beat you into the ground. You do manage to catch a quick break to catch you breathe while soft acoustic guitars play a brief riff. Then its right back to the monstrous guitars and deep growls. “Latent Thistle,” being one of the shorter songs on the album, also starts right off the bat with chugging guitars and machine gun snares. Wicked guitar melodies are performed about a minute in that are surrounded by reckless growls and dark strings. The short guitar solos sound like they were played by Lucifer himself. The band does a magnificent job with their delivery.

I’ve only mentioned half of the songs on the album and clearly you can see I’ve had so much to say. If you like what I’ve described so far then definitely make sure you check this album out. There are still more surprises on the album that you will have to hear for yourself. I swear you won’t be disappointed. This is neo-classical metal at its best!

8.5/10

Band camp - http://aquilus.bandcamp.com/
Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/aquilusband

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The Podcast: Episode 31 (Ringing in the new year...)

Every year is a good year for metal. Those are words that we live by. And as 2011 has been put to bed, 2012 promises to be one to remember. We look at some of the big names with new albums on the horizon, with a few in particular holding our attention. Then we announce our first "Band Of The Month" for the new year. Here's a hint: their last album taught us all the French we know.

You can grab the first part here.

Still listening? The second part can be downloaded here.

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