Album Type: EP
Date Released:
14th
October 2014
Label:
Relapse Records
The Cavern CD/DD/LP track listing:
01 – The Cavern (45:46)
The Band:
T.J.
Childers | Drums
Steven
Russell | Guitars
Trey
Dalton | Guitars
Mike
Paparo | Vocals
Joe
Kerkes | Bass
Guests
Mikey Allred | Bowed bass, synthesizers, organ
Dorthia Cottrell | Vocals
Jon Liedtke | Synthesizers, theremin
Meg Mulhearn | Violins
Shibby Poole | Synthesizers
Review:
18 months after Inter Arma released their critically acclaimed album 'Sky Burial' the band are back with their new EP 'The Cavern'. A
single song lasting 45 minutes. A brave decision to make but
when have Inter Arma ever been known to play by the rules. Over the
last 8 years or so their signature sound is very hard to define, as
each record they have released are all different to each other. The
Cavern is not 'Sky Burial - Part 2'. It is a different record
altogether. 'The Cavern' is a more psychedelic and experimental
offering from Inter Arma as the record combines, Sludge Metal, Doom
Metal, Post-Metal, Stoner Metal, Post-Rock, Ambient and Black Metal, for one surreal experience.
The
Cavern has much in common with Sleep's legendary album 'Dopesmoker' and the recent albums by YOB and Pallbearer. The Cavern
features a similar Doom and Gloom, matched with heavy
atmospherics to take the music into heavier sonic territory. The
vocals range from death based growls, hardcore pitched vocals and
soulful clean vocals, which I did not expect. It shows that Inter
Arma have put as much creativity and effort into the vocal side of
things as well as the instrumental work. 'The Cavern' can be broken
down into different sections as it can be loud and heavy one moment
before it changes direction into calm and sombre affair. Indeed it is a more progressive and experimental compared to 'Sky Burial'.
Inter
Arma have Dorthia Cottrell of Windhand fame providing her sublime and
powerful vocals. Inter Arma also have Meg Mulhearn of Divine Circles
and Shibby Poole from Yautja to provide their unique talents amongst others on the
record as well. 'The Cavern' is one of the most progressive and complex
records of 2014, Inter Arma unleash a wave of different styles and
noises to confuse and delight. This is not a record for the
casual listener. This record is for people who like their music
experimental and with an air of intelligence that you will not find
anywhere else. This record is a thought provoking masterpiece and will cement Inter Arma's reputation as one of the most creative bands currently out there. If 'The Cavern' is
being classed as an EP then I cannot wait to see what Inter Arma
deliver for their next album. This is a future classic in the
making.
Thanks
To Relapse Records for sending us a promo to review. The Cavern will
be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl from Relapse Records from October
14th 2014.
Written by: Steve Howe
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