PSØL – PSØL (EP 2023)
by Flork
These days, in our upside-down world which has been plagued in recent years by turmoil and uncertainty, music has at least served as a beacon of hope and a means of expression. Enter PSØL, a promising Ukrainian band whose self-titled debut EP, which, by the way, was released earlier this month in September 2023, boldly fuses elements of doom metal, stoner metal, and southern metal. In a mere four tracks—Tyris' Doom, Jacketfish, Blackneck, and Nebelfaul—PSØL manages to make a significant impact with their distinctive sound and fearless approach to music. Moreover, their emergence in the midst of Ukraine's ongoing war adds an intriguing layer to their story.
Now I admit that I don’t know much about this band, but I can say that it is impossible to discuss PSØL without acknowledging the challenging backdrop against which they've emerged. Ukraine's ongoing conflict has left an indelible mark on its society, including its music scene. While the war has disrupted many aspects of life, it has also inspired artists to create music that reflects their experiences and emotions. And by listening to groups from Ukraine who continue to produce great music and play live shows, one can easily concluded that bands like PSØL stand as a testament to the resilience and creative spirit of its people. I also have to add that PSØL is not a war-themed compilation of tracks, but rather a product of three good friends who love to hang out and play metal music. I enjoyed listening to these songs immensely.
The Ep begins with a foreboding atmosphere with Tyris' Doom, setting the stage for a deep, emotional journey. The blend of crushing riffs and melancholic melodies takes the listener on a sonic expedition through desolate landscapes, evoking feelings of both despair and much-needed catharsis. The emotional weight of this opener is not just palpable, but really gets you rocking. I am immediately intrigued by their sound. I’m not an overly big fan of doom metal as it can sometimes be tedious and repetitive if the compositions drag on too long. But PSØL incorporates elements of other types of metal and breathes a lot of life into a traditionally slow-paced genre.
I push forward to track number two, a mysteriously-named composition called Jacketfish. I am not interested in interpreting the meaning of this title, as the music and cool vocals distract me from the world around me. A hypnotic groove drives this song, using dynamic shifts that keeps me engaged, as the band effortlessly shifts between moments of introspection and explosive energy. The guitars and weight of this track give me cravings for more.
The other two tracks, Blackneck and Nebelfaul are simultaneously fast, sludgy, and suffocatingly heavy. Blackneck encapsulates the band's sonic prowess. The searing guitar work and brooding atmosphere create a sense of impending doom, with a generous dose of southern twang, mirroring the unsettling times we live in with rays of hope sprinkled all throughout. Nebelfaul offers a haunting and introspective finale and rounds of the Ep perfectly. PSØL's ability to convey raw emotion through their music is particularly striking here.
And my prognosis? With this Ep, PSØL has not only crafted a promising debut, but also adds a compelling chapter to Ukraine's evolving metal music narrative. It's a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend even the darkest of times. Their music provides solace and a sense of unity, as well as a powerful means of self-expression. Moreover, it is also an exploration of the human experience amidst adversity, presented through a unique blend of doom, stoner, and southern metal. Their debut release demonstrates a maturity and depth of talent that belies their newcomer status.
No comments:
Post a Comment