ALBUM PREMIERE: Ambassador deliver a cavernous and explorative musical masterwork on "Belly of the Whale"

Debut album “Belly of the Whale” by Ambassador, is a cavernous musical quest fusing heart rending doom, shoegazing aesthetics, and a deeps pop sensibility. Hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, “Belly of the Whale”, is set to drop on September 28, 2018. Eluding the stale tropes of modern rock, Ambassador evokes a sense of maturity and sonic exploration but with their emotional and vulnerable sounds remaining rooted in post rock, progressive metal and southern blues. The band has been compared to groups like Dredg, Pink Floyd and A Perfect Circle, featuring introspective and ethereal lyrics supported by concise grooves all defined by an ominous sense of melody. Each composition exposes new colours and textures with its own distinct energy and today at THE SLUDGELORD we’re proud to be able to premiere this truly one of a kind record, check it out in full below and you can order it now (HERE)

Band info: Facebook || Bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Ancient VVisdom - "33"

By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 13/10/2017

Label: Argonauta Records (CD) |

Magic Bullet Records (DD) |

DHU Records (LP)

Like the morning star it praises, Ancient VVisdom is more deceptive than you realize. It heralds that section of the genre that is far darker than even the loudest bands while doing a style you don't recognize is nearly this cursed. "33" is going to live on for quite some time.

“33” CD//DD//LP track listing

1. Ascending Eternally

2. Light of Lucifer

3. In the Name of Satan

4. True Will

5. The Infernal One

6. Summoning Eternal Light

7. Rise Fallen Angel

8. 33

9. The Great Beast

10. Lux

11. Dispelling Darkness

The Review:

Metal music has since its dawn been preoccupied with the visage of Beelzebub. Whether it was Ozzy Osbourne conjuring the idea of Satan's love in "N.I.B." or mainstream heavy rock like Ghost calling out to the "old one, master," Satan has been that ultimate taboo in music. For metal, the Devil has also been the totem of rejecting all convention. And though there have been many incursions into popular culture, it would seem metal music's fixation with the sinister and demons may always be part.

So when a recording comes across that embodies some of that dark spirit, it almost feels like splitting hairs to argue how it qualifies as metal. In Ancient VVisdom's case, it indubitably does.

The Austin-based trio formed in 2009 and have three releases – 2011's "A Godlike Inferno”, 2013's "Deathlike" and 2014's "Sacrificial" – as well as a rather infamous 2010 split disc with incarcerated mass murderer Charles Manson on their resume. Its first full length in three years, "33," is alternately inspired by a variety of meanings for the number, including the birth year that Jesus Christ was crucified. The horrific vibe never quite goes away from there.

If you have not heard the group prior, Ancient VVisdom is metal in the first-wave death rock or the folkloric styles you may recall rose to prominence in metal in the early 2000s. "33" is thus largely rooted in acoustic music, without drum and sparing electric guitar. The focus of Ancient VVisdom is Nathan Opposition, vocalist and songwriter. He's crucial, because Ancient VVisdom is nothing if not a lyrical act whose songs and stories are its reason for being.

To be clear, Ancient VVisdom has magnificent instrumentation. Whether it is the guitar, synths or hints of percussion, the minimal nature of "33" means all of it has to count even more than the average band. However, Ancient VVisdom's Satanic verses drive the music for the most part. Indeed Nathan Opposition's vocals set up much of the art that is here. "Ascending Eternally" opens like a hymn, while "Light of Lucifer" begins the release smoothly out of that hymn into a chord that you might hear around the fire at a church's summer camp. However, this is no revival.

Songs like "Summoning Eternal Light" and "The Great Beast" musically deliver the crunch you might more expect from metal, whereas "Rise Fallen Angel" is Ancient VVisdom's closest foray into heavy rock. These selections and a handful of others are not ultraviolent songs. They're musically savvy, but as with other cuts, the imagery of the occult, Lucifer and the great unknown are the true canvas.

Like the morning star it praises, Ancient VVisdom is more deceptive than you realize. It heralds that section of the genre that is far darker than even the loudest bands while doing a style you don't recognize is nearly this cursed. "33" is going to live on for quite some time.

"33" is available digitally here, CD here and eventually on vinyl here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Spotlights - "Seismic"

By: Victor Van Ommen

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 06/10/2017

Label: Ipecac Recordings

Be it the album’s title, the heft of the cascading guitar riffs, or the thick atmosphere the band creates, this is a serious release that’s here to make a statement.  “Seismic” is an album that’s easy to get lost in, which judging by the depth of sound, is exactly what Spotlights set out to do.

“Seismic” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Seismic

2. Learn to Breathe

3. The Size of the Planet

4. Ghost of a Glowing Forest

5. Under the Earth

6. A Southern Death

7. The Opening

8. What is This? Where Are We?

9. Hollow Bones

10. Hang Us All

11. The Hope of a Storm

The Review:

New York- based, husband and wife duo Spotlights wants nothing less than to be taken seriously on their Ipecac Recordings debut album, “Seismic.” Be it the album’s title, the heft of the cascading guitar riffs, or the thick atmosphere the band creates, this is a serious release that’s here to make a statement. Everything is mapped out; there are no false steps, no room for improvisation, just a hefty slab of post-metal-whatever rock music. And you know what, it’s damn good!

Musically, Spotlights has a few obvious influences – I’m looking at you Deftones and ISIS – but that shouldn’t be a surprise considering the label the band is on. Luckily, Spotlights uses these two bands as just that, influences, and prevents the band coming across as a watered down band confined to a particular time and genre.

It’s the layers that make Spotlights what they are. They hit loud and hard at face value and that’s great. The guitar riffs are crunchy and slow and the drums are in your face. Everything is turned up real loud, which is exactly how the album should be listened to. Once the volume is turned up and the listener sits back, that’s when Spotlights really starts to unfold.

Spotlights is able to put all the tools at their disposal to good use. Be it in the way the synthesizers accentuate the tenderness in the fat riffing or how the sound of strummed guitar strings deep in the mix help round things out, “Seismic” becomes a release that’s as tall as it is wide. The hour plus run time might be a touch on the long side of things, but when there’s so much mood and atmosphere, an album’s run time becomes insignificant pretty quickly.

Understanding “Seismic” means understanding the layers. The songs are there and the sound is big. Spotlights make their presence known with these elements. Then the accents are found; the synthesizers are well placed and the vocals provide just that bit of necessary breathing room. “Seismic” is an album that’s easy to get lost in, which judging by the depth of sound, is exactly what Spotlights set out to do.

“Seismic” is available here

Band info: Facebook || Bandcamp

TRACK PREMIERE: Hundred Year Old Man release crushingly dense debut single "Black Fire"

Hundred Year Old Man a six-piece collective based in Leeds, UK are set to release their debut single “Black Fire” via Gizeh Records this forthcoming Friday August 25^th 2017.

Hundred Year Old Man's sound can be distinguished within the parameters of post-metal, doom and crushingly dense heavy music. Formed in 2015, the band have spent the last 12 months touring and playing shows with the likes of Deafheaven, Ohhms, Moloken, Employed To Serve, Conjurer, Fen, Opium Lord, Canvas and Wren as well as a recent performance at the UK’s premiere underground metal festival Bloodstock

“Black Fire” is the perfect introduction to Hundred Year Old Man, indeed this track encompasses everything this crushing conglomerate  is about, 10 minutes of heavy, atmospheric riffs build and descend through the sonic ether and  the listener is ultimately  rewarded in spades. We’ve heard it all before, but this band seems intent on doing things differently.  The abrasive and the aggressive offset by  a kaleidoscope of divine light.  Today “Black Fire “can be stream in its entirety below (order here) and precedes a 12” EP due in January with their debut album to follow later in 2018.

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

Kylver - The Mountain Ghost (Album Review)

Album Type: Album

Date Released: 21^st May 2015

Label: Self Released

'The Mountain Ghost' track Listing:

1.The Mountain Has Ghosts

2.The Feast of the Mountain Ghost

3.The Dance of the Mountain Ghost

4.The Death of the Mountain Ghost 

Kylver is:

James Bowmaker (Bass)

Barry Mitcheson (Drums)

Neil Elliott (Hammond Organ, Keys)

Jonny Scott (Guitar).

Bio:

KYLVER (Pronounced: Kil-ver) is a four piece progressive heavy rock/metal band coming out of Newcastle upon Tyne. The band is made up of a bunch of mates that have a genuine love for music with a want to create something that is both interesting and challenging to play.

Review:

Kylver is a band from my home town of Newcastle Upon Tyne who I've been keeping a close eye on. Friends of mine have told me that these guys are something else on the live stage. I haven't seen these guys in action yet but that's all going to change with their superb new album - The Mountain Ghost. A sprawling 40 minute odyssey that sees Kylver playing an experimental kind of Progressive Rock/Post-Metal style hybrid.

What makes this such a fantastic debut album is Kylver's fearless approach to music. These guys show no fear as they blend different styles of music that will impress the heck out of you. Opening track - The Mountain Has Ghosts - is a 14 minute plus epic that sees Kylver embrace the world of Post Metal/Post Rock with hints of Math Rock and Doomy Atmospherics that becomes ever so creepy as time passes by.

Imagine if Pelican had taken a more direct Math Rock approach to their music and that's where you end up with Kylver. It's purely an instrumental affair with different noises and sound effects adding extra texture and groove. Kylver even find the time to include 60s/70s style Organs and Keyboard which I didn't expect at all. This song is a creepy and highly atmospheric dense affair as Kylver surrounds your environment with subtle touches of doom and gloom. The remaining 3 songs on the album follow the same hollow path as the opening track with The Mountain Ghost leading you to a Feast, A Dance and its inevitable Death.

Kylver have taken a more Progressive Rock approach especially with the structure of all of the songs and have built Post-Metal theatrics on top of that. Second track - The Feast Of The Mountain Ghost - has a more experimental vibe with jagged guitars and hazy synths for a slight trippy feel. It's more of a slow paced affair but still an intriguing journey to take especially when the heavier riffs start to take over. I don't know how Kylver came up with the idea to merge 60s/70s synths with Post-Rock/Post-Metal but it's a great idea that pays huge dividends for the band. As Kylver may have ideas too big for their station but you can't deny how wonderful the results sound.

The other two songs - The Dance Of The Mountain Ghost and The Death Of The Mountain Ghost - more than matches the excitement of the opening two tracks with Kylver keeping you on the edge of your seat. The instrumental work is impressive through out as is the use of the different noises to convey a world full of danger. The 2nd half of the album is more Math Rock focused which gives Kylver drummer - Barry - plenty of scope to show off and impress people with his superb technical ability. OK, I've gone on long enough. The Mountain Ghost is a stunning debut album that Kylver should be very proud of. Keep an eye out for this band as I sense some exciting times ahead for these warped individuals.

Thanks to Kylver for the promo. The Mountain Ghost will be available to buy on CD/DD from May 21st 2015.

Words by: Steve Howe

For More Information:

Official | Facebook | BandCamp

The Pod - Land Of Bread And Water (Album Review)

Album Type: Album

Date Released: March 8^th 2015

Label: Self Released

Land Of Bread And Water – Track Listing

1.Of Bread and Water 06:11

2.Lifegiver 03:40

3.Folded Eyes 04:00

4.The Alarmist Was Drowning 04:13

5.Premonition II (Scars Can Be Saved) 04:05

6.Work Through Work 05:02

7.And This Is Where We Part Ways (ft. Matt Stevenson) 08:21

Bio

Scott Endres of Sludge/Post-Metallers – MAKE – Ambient/Doom Solo Project

Members

Scott Endres - vocals, guitar, synthesizers, samples, beats

w/

Matt Stevenson - drums, beats, samples

Spencer Lee - bass

Review:

I've featured Scott's solo project – The Pod – a few times and I consider myself a fan of his experimental/drone/ambient/doom/electronica/doom solo project. Some of you may know Scott from Chapel Hill Sludge/Post-Metal band – MAKE. A great band in their own right.

This is The Pod's 8^th release overall. If you're a fan of Jesu, Godflesh and Tribes Of Neurot then The Pod will speak massive volumes to you. As Scott has created an album that leave you in trance from beginning to end as the mood ventures from Ambient based Industrial Synths to the more heavier Drone based Doom Metal variety with bleak vocals to match.

There's no point doing a song by song review as this album should be experienced as one epic song. It's a breathtaking and adventurous work from one of Sludge/Post-Metal's highly talented individuals. The way Scott blends different noises and sounds can be considered an art form as he makes real passionate music to lose yourself in. You can feel the texture and density of the heavy synthesizers that leave you in a bleak state. Scott doesn't play by the rules so some people may find this album very hard to listen. And truth be told it is a very hard album to listen to. If you're a fan of Ambient/Drone albums then you will find much to admire here.

Scott doesn't create music to impress people with. He creates music for the sheer love of it all. He's very highly regarded in his home town and the Sludge Metal scene in general. It's been a while since MAKE released any new material so Scott has focused all his creative energy into The Pod. I'm always glad to hear new music from Scott and I'm a huge fan of his work but I'm hoping we will see new material from MAKE as this album made me remember the heavier riffs that I first encountered Scott's work. But I'm digressing – Fans of John Carpenter soundtracks will get a kick out of this album as well especially on the brilliant last track – And This Is Where We Part Ways – as it has a slight throwback feel to that legendary director's musical output. Or that could be looking far too much into things.

If you want something different to test your resolve with then this album comes highly recommended. It won't be to everyone's tastes but if you have the patience for this then you will richly be rewarded with a stunning musical experience. Check it out as the album is available to buy now on BandCamp Buy Now.

Excellent and Highly Recommended

Words by Steve Howe

For More Information

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Night - Satellites (Album Review)

Album Type: Album

Date Released: 14^th April 2015

Label: Hand/Eye Records

Satellites – Track Listing

1.Discovery

2.Departure

3.Aurora

4.Delta

5.Astral Burial

6.Satellites 05:08

7.Atlas

8.Projection

9.Tidal Shift

10.Constellations

11.Titan

Bio

Night is comprised of Bobby Yagodich on guitar, Matt Jackson on bass, Zach Nace on guitar, and Mark Bixler on drums. They are currently in the process of pressing and releasing their second full length effort entitled “Satellites”, which is the strongest representation of their sound thus far in their early career. In the new year, they plan to tour and support this record extensively.

All of the members of Night are originally from various heavy metal acts in the South Central area of Pennsylvania. In 2006, Bobby started a solo noise project under the moniker of Night as an outlet to do something other than the fast paced, and in your face genre of music. Three years later, the band that Bobby and Jackson had been a part of split. The two of them went on to create music using the name of the project Bobby had started years earlier. Another year passed, and the project that Zach and Mark had been a part of disbanded. They also had a thirst to create music that was not necessarily heavy. Zach joined in 2010, and Mark later joined in 2012 completely changing this from a small project, into a fully cohesive band.

Night have played throughout the South Central region of Pennsylvania, and in the past year have trekked out further and further. They have been hard at work trying to get their name out anywhere that there are people who want to listen. In 2015, they hope to extend their reach even further than ever before. Moving people with their music, and creating a unique experience for every listener is the objective that Night want to achieve with “Satellites”.

Members

Bobby Yagodich - Guitar

Matt Jackson - Bass

Zach Nace - Guitar

Mark Bixler – Drums

Review:

Post- Rock/Post-Metal collective Night impressed me way back in 2012. Now almost 3 years later they finally return with their new album - Satellites. Satellites may seem familiar to a lot of other Post-Rock/Post-Metal albums currently out there. Though, take a closer look as Night offer a more cosmic/ambient route within the Post-Rock/Post-Metal field as they have elements of Space-Rock to stand out from the crowd.

Fans of Pelican, Russian Circles and Red Sparowes will be in their element here as Night flexes their creative muscles with some heavy post-metal riffage especially on the first couple of tracks - Discovery and Aurora. Night combine heavy psychedelic sludgy post-metal riffs with a sense of adventure journeying into the stars. Satellites is firmly rooted in Space, Above and Beyond as Night take their brand of Atmospheric Sludge/Post-Metal to the next level. I've been a fan of Night for the last few years and it's great to see a band progress as musicians to show the world what they can do.

The album's main message is one of hope within the human spirit but Night do offer bleak moments of sadness and regret especially on excellent 3rd track - Aurora. Night combine ambient noises and sounds with the right amount of slow & fast paced vibes that Pelican or Russian Circles would be proud to call their own.

The album does venture into doom and gloom territory to provide the listener with an emotionally charged experience you will find very hard to escape from. One of the albums standout tracks - Astral Burial - sees Night play a more progressive/thrash metal style of music where the atmosphere becomes ever more volatile as Night become more schizophrenic with their musical choices. You can't help admire the brave musical decisions that Night unleash here, as the album ventures into different genres that shouldn't really work but Night pull this off with style and conviction.

By the time the excellent title track – Satellites - is played, you're already apart of this heavy cosmic journey as the progressive post-metal riffs impress with the slow-vs-fast musical combination that will leave you breathless. It's good that the band offer quiet ambient based songs to catch your breath with but be warned as the short songs offer heavy ambient sounds with a dark and terrifying edge. Atlas is the perfect example of this as Night will take you on a nightmarish journey where sound becomes your mortal enemy and your only means of communication.

Things take a more sensible approach for the next song - Projection - as Night play a more upbeat Post-Rock song with the heavy music giving way to a sense of calm e. Even when Night unleashes the heavier Post-Metal riffs, there's still a sense of hope amongst the violent energy that Night create here. The rest of the album sees Night finish their cosmic voyage into the far reaches of space as the music beautifully drifts into loud and blissful sonic highs as ambient noises add more refined experience as Satellites proves that Night have created a truly anthemic and cinematic experience you cannot beat.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Matt Jackson for the promo. Satellites will be available to buy on CD/DD via Hand/Eye Records from April 14th 2015.

For More Information

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Summit - Remnants (EP Review)

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 09^th January 2015

Label: Drown Within Records

Remnants – Track Listing

1.Adrift, Sideral Abysm 06:56

2.Fields of Tulips on Pluto 08:01

3.Remembrance is a Celestial Path 03:46

4.Remnants 06:00

Members

Gabri: Guitars, Keys, Bass, Post-production.

Red: Bass, Keys, Post-production, Graphics.

Review:

Italian Post-Metallers – Summit – have released a stunning debut EP that is filled with emotional post-metal riffs and ambient post-rock interludes that combine for one intelligent offering of heavy music. Fans of Pelican, Neurosis and Mogwai will get a kick out of Summit's music as they play intelligent music with a hefty sideline in ambient space sounds that takes you to the far reaches of space itself.

Opening track – Adrift, Sideral Abysm – captures a band lost in the wilderness of space and trying to find their way home. The music has a very tragic quality to it as it firmly lies in the more sombre and depressive side of Post-Rock/Post-Metal. For a duo, Summit, have created some stunning sounds that you would expect from a much bigger band. It ends with a gloomy ambient feedback noise getting louder and louder by the second before it finally ends devouring everything in it's wake.

Second track – Fields of Tulips on Pluto – carries on the cosmic theme with a haunting post-rock sound adding different layers of noises and soundclips for another sombre tale of wonder and regret. The drums finally start to appear around the 1:45 minute mark with the song becoming ever more heavier by the second. Summit can be called an experimental band as they a lot of different sounds to give their music added depth and dimension.

Third Track – Remembrance Is A Celestial Path – is more of casual post-rock affair for the first 90 seconds or so before Summit explode into life with sounds that remind me of ISIS created back in the day. Summit wisely add vocals to the mix as this song stands out as one of the EP's strongest tracks. A highly intelligent and thought provoking style of post-metal to get your teeth stuck into.

Finally we have the last track – Remnants – and it's where Summit unleash their heavy arsenal of riffs upon to the masses as the EP comes to a crashing end. Remnants features a more lo-fi style of post-metal riffs compared to the other EP's tracks and it allows Summit to build upon heavy layers of doom and gloom style noises. It's the perfect way to end the EP as Summit have crafted a stunning musical odyssey with a beginning, middle and end. And what a way to end the EP with.

Remnants is an excellent EP that will hopefully lead to bigger things for Summit. As they have a huge world of ideas to impress you with. I'm quite excited of what Summit can achieve in the future.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Chris at Drown Within Records and Summit for the promo. Remnants is available to buy now.

For More Information

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Trottoir - erste (f​/​m​/​n) - (Album Review)

Album Type: Album

Date Released: 31^st Jan 2015

Label: CD – Self Released. Vinyl - Adansonia Records

erste (f​/​m​/​n) – Track Listing

1. - 1

2. - 2

3. - 3

4. - 4

5. - 5

Bio

A plumber, a jazzer and a singer are building a house. And three musicians with a drumset, a guitar and a bass are standing in self-forgotten manner in front of the house. On a Trottoir. And they're playing the self-invented Mannheimer Hartkraut, a mixture of Krautrock, Post Rock, Space Rock and their own artistic origin.

Members

Martin Feige (Guitar)

Daniel Schwarz (Drums)

Jonathan Sell (Bass)

Review:

Time for a change of scene for myself at Sludgelord. It's been a long time since I ventured into the world of Krautrock and now here I am making my first visit in a very long time for Trottoir. A Space Rock/Post Rock/Krautrock collective where the music has a slighty jazz organic feel.

Their debut album - erste (f/m/n) – is a purely instrumental rock affair with the band adding huge volumes of noise. There are traces of Stoner Rock running through out the album though it's the more jazz/space rock vibes that make this album such a thrilling ride. The tracks are individually titles from 1 to 5 so you don't have to worry about the meaning of the songs. Sit back and enjoy the ride at Trottoir have created some heavy pounding and exiting riffs for you to experience.

Four of the albums five tracks are epic songs running from 9 mins to almost 14 mins in length. So Trottoir love their progressive rock passages which gives their music a more intelligent feel as they slowly build the riffs with layers of noise, synths and a whole lot more space-rock goodness. Shades of Karma To Burn and Pelican can be heard as direct influences but also elements of the 60s/70s legendary German Krautrock scene. Which isn't too surprising as these space riffsters are from Germany.

It feels that Trottoir have made this album to be listened as one complete song and not broken down into 5 individual parts that the album actually is. If I have to pick out my fave songs or moments from the album it has to be songs 2, 3 and 5 as those are the loudest and most intense parts of the album. Trottoir even venture into progressive metal territory on song 3. It has a great collection of breakdown beats and noises with a healthy sideline in loud experimental rock.

The album runs for around 51 minutes or so and it will appeal to all fans of Instrumental Rock/Metal. If you dig Jazz, Space Rock, Post-Rock, Stoner Rock, Psych Rock, Krautrock then Trottoir's debut album is the one for you. It's an exciting and fresh take on all things instrumental rock. It's good to see a band such as Trottoir trying something different and playing to their musical strengths for the whole world to see. erste (f/m/n) is a thrilling album and one I recommend very highly indeed. Awesome stuff.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Daniel for the promo. erste (f/m/n)  will be available to buy on CD from the Trottoir's BandCamp Page and on Vinyl from Adansonia Records from January 31^st 2015.

For more information

Official

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Traum - Erode (Album Review)

Album Type: Album

Date Released: 17th December 2014

Label: Self Released

Sistere – Track Listing

1.Hefna 04:25

2.Oceano Antico 08:23

3.Erode 04:01

4.Solas Dorcha 03:56

5.Dagda 05:27

6.Ecate 02:58

7.Heavydale 03:12

8.Invasori 05:48

Bio

Traum. Made in Bologna. Winter 2012. Two Italians and one Irishman. No voice. Traum means "dream", sounds like "trauma". You'll hear both in this music. The desire to express a wide range of deep emotions while keeping an open mind and rigorously avoiding cliché had led to this sound. Genre? That's up to you.

Members

Alessandro Cavazza - chitarra

Michael Harding - batteria

Giulio Sangirardi – chitarre acustiche e baritone, basso, ipad

Review:

Traum style of Instrumental Rock/Metal is a strange affair. Parts Post-Metal, Parts Stoner-Metal, Parts Post-Rock, Parts Psychedelic with a slight hint of Doom and Shoegaze being added just for the sheer hell of it. Imagine a more trippier version of Pelican or Doomier version of Karma To Burn and that should give you a good impression on what to expect on Traum's debut album – Erode.

If you dig Instrumental Rock/Metal music then you're going to dig this. Opening track – Hefna – is a loud and heavy progressive take on all things rock/metal. It has it's fair share of quiet post-rock moments set against the more heavier progressive post-metal riffs that makes the album truly come to life. The instrumental work is superb through out. The album will leave you with a warm glow inside despite the heavier moments turning things on their head.

Second Track – Oceano Antico – is a loud and heavy boisterous affair with Traum showing what they can do. It's a progressive odyssey with the band exploring many different musical elements whilst creating an emotionally involving song.

Third Track – Erode – sees Traum fully explore their Post-Metal roots as the riffs are loud right from the start. It has a superb progressive metal feel to it as Traum start to the world what they're made of. The album could of easily been bogged down by the many different genres and ideas Traum have created here, but to their credit, Traum keep things moving along at a fast pace. It never becomes boring as Traum keep you entertained through out.

The rest of the album more than matches up to the earlier songs and this is one album you shouldn't ignore. If you want an album with intelligence and creativity to match then Erode comes highly recommended. Awesome stuff. You can download the album on BandCamp Buy Now.

Words by Steve Howe

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