By: Charlie Butler
Date Released: 24/10/2016
Label: I Hate Records
“What makes Zaum’s
music so intoxicating is the sheer density of their sound. Layers of synths,
sitars, flutes and who knows what else, build up to create a foundation of
all-encompassing drone for the bands epic compositions. Prepare to be transported to a higher realm.”
“Eidolon” CD//DD//LP track listing:
1).
Influence of the Magi
2). The
Enlightenment
The Review:
“Eidolon” is a term from ancient Greek
literature that refers to a spirit-image of a living or dead person. It is an
appropriate title for Zaum’s new album given the ageless, haunted
soundscapes contained within.
Few bands
can touch the New Brunswick Om circa “Conference of the Birds” combined with the wider sonic palette of
their later work and blown up to symphonic scale. This will give you a good
impression of Zaum’s
mind-expanding, heavy grandeur.
What makes Zaum’s
music so intoxicating is the sheer density of their sound. Layers of synths,
sitars, flutes and who knows what else, build up to create a foundation of
all-encompassing drone for the bands epic compositions. Chris Lewis’ drumming
provides a solid backbone for these mammoth voyages into the beyond but Kyle
McDonald’s bass is the key ingredient to Zaum’s success. From spacious, ghostly chords
to crushing distorted riffs, he utilises an arsenal of
effects to give the impression of the band being a mighty legion rather than a
mere duo. There is a wide spectrum of vocals on display here too, switching
from spectral chants to throaty roars and everything in between to meet the
demands of these complex journeys.
“Eidolon” is another transcendent
release from Zaum
that sees them go further down their singular path into the heavy unknown.
Prepare to be transported to a higher realm.
“Eidolon” is available here
FFO: Om , Bong, Sleep, Earth
