April Weeps – Cataclastic (2022)
By Flork
Originally, my first thought was not focused on the music, but rather on the hometown of the 7-member band, since Dunajska Streda is perhaps the last place I would guess that an atmospheric doom metal band could hail from. Yet, when I think about it, why not? Cities that offer a wealth of interesting things to do and places to visit often distract potential artists from developing their talents. Moreover, spaces for practising are limited with neighbours complaining, and those which are available come with high rents or limited time for use. And so, it’s quite possible that the small city of Dunajska Streda on Slovakia’s Rye Island offers the ideal setting for aspiring musicians to master their crafts, especially for artists from the darker and heavier genres.
By far one of the better albums to come out this year, Cataclastic is an atmospheric journey of contrasts through the life of an individual struggling to justify their own existence. Sophistication and talent are evident in the song-writing, which blends the melodic tones of both the singers and musicians with the sad and delicate lyrics of the songs themselves. This is especially heard from the opening track Igneous, a beautiful song of pleasant riffs and vocals that contrasts with the growls and rage that express the despair of the song’s content. Fundamental Ingressions continues with the contrasts, beginning with folklore elements in Marta’s opening of the track and continuing throughout the composition. Like in all the tracks, the song is interspersed in several parts by demonic vocals and atmospheric pauses thus creating one of the best pieces on the album. This style is also heard on Crossing the Waves, pure beauty, especially the part with Marta’s vocals and the blend of piano and solo guitar notes. The album has so many contrasts that work so well together, such is heard in Briolette Cut, where conversations run through the head with conflicts of emotions and logic. Marta has an amazing voice as does N. An angel and a demon who are in total sympatico with each other.
The remaining tracks are pure bliss to listen to, especially the final track Lithos, which ends on a softer tone, much like the way the album begins. And my overall impressions? Absolutely a big thumbs-up. It is obvious that thought and care was put into every audible moment of the compositions, allowing the songs to progress naturally without any need to fill in gaps with unnecessary noise for the sake of continuity. And this is exactly why I love this album, because all the contrasts cooperate perfectly with each other rather than create conflict and confusion. Sadness and despair struggle simultaneously with beauty and hope — our present existence.
No comments:
Post a Comment