Italian experimental progressive rock outfit Hibagọn just released their debut album, after two previous EPs in which they solidified their sound and personality. At forty minutes long, Polyposmic brings us a healthy dose of the mathematic prog duo. Focusing on fast-paced odd-time signatures, polyrhythms, and dissonant intervals, the creature by the name of Hibagọn is able to outdo its previous achievements. With the help of various effect pedals, guitarist Dowi is able to make us forget the fact that there is no bassist or complementary guitarist or keyboardist (except on ‘Orogenesis’ and ‘Zero’). Polyposmic is a fun time and a … Read more
Category Archives: Mini-Review
Wovette – Steeple
Wovette is the pseudonym of Californian musician Brady Miller, who has made a name for himself in many bands, including the infamous Upsilon Acrux on guitars. Steeple is the latest effort from this solo project, and it’s comprised of eighteen short compositions for acoustic piano. Made to be played by whom I do not know, but the superhuman that succeeds will probably have turned its tendons to goo in the process. So much so that I think they could only be played by a pianola (a self-playing piano often seen in the context of American Far West saloons) or, effortlessly, … Read more
Sol iustitiae – Iam, Christe, sol iustitiae
As obscure as it might be, Iam, Christe, sol iustitiae is the first, instrumental demo release of Italian post-black metal entity Sol iustitiae. For now, the three tracks present on their bandcamp page are instrumental, but the band wrote that they plan on adding vocals on them in the near future. The production is raw, but not displeasing; every instrument can be heard distinctly, and the sound as a whole isn’t too bad. There’s only the issue of some soundwave clipping, but that should be resolved with the next mix. The music, however, is totally delightful! Sol iustitiae use … Read more
LLNN/Wovoka – Marks/Traces
Danish and American bands LLNN and Wovoka unite on a split album regrouping the former band’s part, Marks, and the latter’s, Traces. The synth-tinged blackened doom of LLNN is perfect for a soundtrack to pessimistic futurism, with its slow, droning, and heavy riffs atop which the singer screams his wrath. The six tracks of this first side make up a little less than twenty minutes, the same as Wovoka’s single song, ‘Traces’. While I was unfamiliar with the Denmark armada, Wovoka’s latest album, Saros, stuck with me as an example in post-metal. They’ve put yet another badge … Read more
Les chants du hasard – Les chants du hasard
Les chants du hasard is a mysterious solitary project from France that’s throwing the traditional metal instruments by the window in favour of a completely orchestral work. The classical instruments are joined by the delirious voice of the so-called Hazard, only soul behind the ambitious project. The synthetic orchestra is convincing enough, except a rare few occasions where their electronic nature pierces through; the main culprits are the percussions. Easily disregarded, this minor detail should not obscure the whole work, because missing such a grandiose piece would be detrimental to you only! The texts are written in French prose and … Read more