Album Type:
Album
Date Released:
July 1st 2014
Label:
Self Released
At The Left
Hand Of The Su - track listing:
1.Cold Hands
2.The Hell That
Never Ends
3.Apocryphungal
4.Psychoderek
5.Calloused 06:53
6.Spectral Prolapse
7.Weaker the
Gripstein
8.Slew of Wounds
Bio
Collapsian
are a 4-piece band from the Phoenix/Tempe, AZ area that plays a well
infused style of metal which draws influences from sludge,
black-metal, doom, psychedelic and progressive rock. Collapsian
members have been involved in other projects such as Sihr, Mosara,
Prosthetics and Drone Throne. We have just finished recording our
debut LP which is entitled "At The Left Hand Of The Sun".
This record was written, recorded, and mixed by Collapsian. Mastering
duties were handled by Brad Boatright (Sleep, All Pigs Must Die,
Nails, High on Fire), and the awesomely bizarre artwork was done by
Dr.Winter (Gigan). Additional logo design was also done by renowned
logo artist Christophe Szpajdel (Emperor, Nachtmystium, Wolves in the
Throne Room).
Band Members
Anton - Guitars
Chad - Drums
Joe - Bass
Tom - Vox
Review:
Collapsian's
debut album - At The Left Hand Of The Sun – is a volatile mix of
Sludge, Doom, Black Metal and Hardcore for one uncompromising ride
into the darker side of progressive metal.
The
album is not an easy listen as its constant change in moods and
atmospheres could be quite difficult for some people to follow. It
dares to be different by not following one set musical style. It
blends elements from different genres for one violent and hypnotic
trippy ride. First track - Cold Hands – is a track that serves as
a brief teaser on what to expect for the next 45 minutes or so. It
has a blackened hardcore fury with the progressive sides of
Collapsian’s music slowly creeping in.
It
is on 2nd track – The Hell That Never Ends – that really starts
this album off with a warped soundbyte that will question your own
faith and the world around you. Before Collapsian, unleash their true
identity to the world. Heavy psychedelic vibes that flow between
short sharp violent riffs to louder and dangerous epic riff as the
band experiment with their sound by adding different noises. It can
be uncomfortable at times but Collapsian do not shy away from the
true horrors around them. Collapsian make you feel trapped in your
own eternal nightmare where there is no escape.
Collapsian
combine hard-hitting social statements through their music
especially on 3rd track - Apocryphungal. It is a two minute
plus track that raises some important questions with noisy glitch
based sounds adding plenty of substance to the angry exchanges going
on in the background.
4th
track - Psychoderek - starts with multiple voices venting their anger
to the world. Collapsian blend ambient post-rock quiet riffs with
distorted noises before exploding blackened hardcore fury a few
minutes into the song. It portrays a band at war with society as the
progressive metal vibes become louder and harsher in tone. It makes
the album a more involving experience, as Collapsian do not hold back
with the intense music and vocals with each passing moment. The last
few moments of this track are some of the most disturbing noises I
have heard in a very long time. Unsettling does not even come close
to describing the final moments of this creepy song. Don’t say
I did not warn you.
I
have only described only 4 of the albums 8 tracks but it gives you a
strong indication on what to expect for the rest of the album. The
2nd half of the album is equally as inventive and disturbing as the
first half. With more, psych based noises and riffs taking you
further into the darkness. The album has a slight Isis/Neurosis
influence but it does not stop the fact that this album is a
masterclass of progressive sludge metal. It is an intelligent and
thought-provoking album that oozes sheer brutality with passion to
match.
This
has the potential to be one of the best sludge metal debut albums of
2014.
Thanks
to the band for sending me a promo to review. At The Left Hand Of The
Sun is available to buy now on CD/DD. Vinyl Release maybe coming
later in the year.
Check
The Band From Links Below
Written
by Steve Howe
