Album Type:
Album
Date Released:
October 11th
2014
Label:
Self Released
Black Tides –
S/T - track listing:
1.The Eye of the
Storm 11:31
2.Black Tides 11:52
3.The Sky Split Wide
Open 02:25
4.From Out of the
Maelstrom 14:56
5.He Was Compelled
To Turn Westward Out of Some Misplaced Sense of Hope 16:51
Members
Matt Brotherton -
Bass/Vocals
Levi Hanna -
Guitars/Samples/Vocals
Eric Smith - Guitars
Scott Wasilewski -
Synth/Keyboards
Chris Garrido -
Drums
Review:
I
have followed Huldra's career with great interest over the last few
years or so. I have reviewed their past 2 releases, which included
their 2013 debut album - Monuments, Monoliths. I have even
interviewed the band over the last few years or so. So yeah I am a
huge fan of these guys. They have never disappointed me with their
style of hard-hitting Atmospheric Sludge/Post-Metal riffs. I have
seen them progressed from Progressive Post-Metal upstarts to one of
the most inventive upcoming Post-Metal bands around. Huldra's sound
has changed with each subsequent release.
The
band have added further ideas and sounds to their music that make
them a force to be reckoned with.
It's
time for Huldra to finally unleash sonic warfare upon to the world
with their stunning 2nd album - Black Tides. A heavy 57 minute blast
that sees Huldra venture into the Sludge Metal wilderness unlike
never before. Huldra have finally created their own sound with Black
Tides, which encompasses Doom Metal, Hardcore, Ambient, Post-Rock,
and Sludge for one haunting vision that offers something very
different indeed.
If
you are, a first time viewer or listener to Huldra's world then be
prepared for an epic ride as Huldra deal in epic, heavy soundscapes
that will question your very own existence. If you are a fan of ISIS,
The Ocean, Cult Of Luna and Neurosis then you need to check these
guys out. Opening Track - The Eye Of The Storm - is almost 12 minutes
of pure musical fury in it's most primitive and violent state as
Huldra unleash endless waves of noises with heartfelt vocals to
match. The ambient/post-metal effect is very trippy and psychedelic
as Huldra sound very different compared to their debut album. This
album is more heart-breaking and sees Huldra venture into darker
territories unlike ever before. The music can be very intense at
times. It feels Huldra have been holding back their true identity all
this time and only now are they ready to show the world what they are
truly made of. It is always a bold statement from any band to open up
the album with an epic tune but you do not have much choice here as 4
of the 5 songs available here run past the 11 minute mark. Huldra
have even managed to include a 17 minute track but more about that
tune later.
Second
track - Black Tides - opens with a more slow-paced ambient post-rock
sound that slowly adds different levels of noise with a hazy
distinctive guitar providing a lot of feedback in the background.
Then all heck breaks loose as Huldra unleash the heavy once again as
atmospheric sludge metal riffs reign supreme. The vocals have a
delicate balance between grizzled death growls and subdued clean
vocals that gives Black Tides a more emotional intensity to contend
with. It is too Huldra's credit they keep you entertained through out
as some people may not have the patience for lengthy tracks such as
this. The instrumental work is intense through out as Huldra once
again unleash a barrage of non-stop heavy dangerous riffs for you to
contend with. Huldra experiment with their sound that brings a more
doom and gloom aspect that provides the album with a chilling
backdrop to build their sound upon especially in the final stages of
this epic release.
Third
Track - The Sky Split Wide Open - is a two minute ambient post-rock
track with haunting female vocals being the main key though Huldra
offer bleak aspects of ambient noises to provide an unsettling almost
claustrophobic experience. This leads into the equally heavy 4th
track - From Out Of The Maelstrom. This song may start slow and
sombre but as you have already, experienced Huldra's thunderous
vision previously then you will know what to expect as Huldra bring
the heavy riffs in a big way. This song does have some fantastic
piano playing in the background to offer you a little bit hope
amongst the darkness. Shades of ISIS classic - Oceanic - can be heard
on this part of the album as it feels Huldra are paying homage to
their musical heroes.
Now
we have one final epic journey ahead of us with the brilliantly
titled 5th track - He Was Compelled To Turn Westward Out Of Some
Misplaced Sense Of Hope. WOW. What a title. A song that is a
gut-wrenching and heartfelt struggle that lasts for another epic 17
mins or so. This is where Huldra lay everything on the line. You can
feel the torment and pain through Matt's and Levi's voice. It is
where everything comes to ahead for one final battle of noise and
riffs to drown your soul with. This will leave your breathless as
Huldra end this album with a bang. Black Tides is an emotional,
brutal and uncompromising album that takes no prisoners. Huldra have
released
a monster here. Awesome. End Of.
Thanks
to Huldra for sending me a promo to review. Black Tides is available
to buy on BandCamp Buy Now DD and CD.
Words
by Steve Howe
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