#dissonant media

GENRE: Progressive Death Metal

LOCATION: London, UK

FOR FANS OF: Opeth, Akercocke, My Dying Bride

The sharply-dressed London prog-death outfit, Talanas, have released another tantalising morsel of music in the form of the ‘Corpseflower’ 7” vinyl. Featuring two tracks, the short and sweet release is a great demonstration of exactly what this band is about.

It begins with the title track, and what may be the most blisteringly intense piece of music the band has produced thus far. Immediately launching into a chaotic blast-beat coupled with some brutal riffing, the introduction is merciless. However, this soon subsides to make way for a more mellow section with Hal Sinden’s characteristic chanting before returning back to the insanity. Ewan Parry performs what might be his best solo yet, and really adds colour to the track, as a good solo should.

‘Beloved Whore’, however, is the complete opposite in terms of overall tone. Much more relaxed and again showcasing Sinden’s Gregorian chant-like cleans, the track is essentially post-metal, echoing the likes of Isis and Neurosis while still being served with a healthy dollop of Talanas’ own unique style.   

This release is a great gateway into a band that has a lot to offer. It demonstrates both their heavy and more laid back sides in the most honest, to-the-point fashion. If listening to this doesn’t make you want to buy everything the band has ever released, I cannot help you. Turn off the computer, and walk away.

- Ross

BAND: Obscene Entity

TRACK: Doomed

ALBUM: Obscene Entity (2012)

GENRE: Death metal

LOCATION: Cambridge, UK

GENRE: Progressive Rock

LOCATION: Liverpool, UK

FOR FANS OF: Porcupine Tree, Rush, Explosions In The Sky

Anathema are no stranger to change and controversy, having pushed boundries since they formed in Liverpool in 1990.  Their first three albums were staples of the gothic metal genre, but even then they had a mellow, atmosphereic edge to them, as if the music itself was torn from a dream. Fast forward 22 years to the release of ‘Weather Systems’, and you have something completely different, but not altogether alien to Anathema's established sound.

This album isn't terribly different from their previous three albums, but instead sounds like a natural evolution, a perfection of their atmospheric and emotional progressive rock sound. Emotional is a word that's going to be written a lot in this review, and for good reason. This is the most emotionally moving piece of music I have ever heard, and I've been listening to music for fifteen years.

Nothing I have ever heard has resonated with me on the level this album does. From the moment it begins with the fingerpicked acoustic guitar of ‘Untouchable’ parts one and two, all the way to the last note of  ‘Internal Landscapes’, there is a range of emotions designed to prompt introspection, healing and acceptance of our place in the universe. This is powerful, moving stuff, and I honestly think that anyone who appreciates music, regardless of the genre, will enjoy this on some level. It exudes a primal, almost dreamlike sense of calm and peace.

You may have noticed I haven't talked much about individual tracks, and there's a reason for that. It's difficult for my to seperate this album into individual pieces, as every time I put it on I end up listening to the whole thing. If I had to pick a favorite track, I would be torn between both parts of ‘Untouchable’ and ‘The Beginning And The End’.

The lyrical content on display  here is simply breathtaking, and I'm not ashamed to say I've shed tears many times listening to this album. It's simply perfect, and try as I might, I cannot find fault with it. Absolutely brilliant, moving and wonderful, like a dream you wish would never end. So, so very recommended.

- Colin

Pelican are a Chicago based 4-piece instrumental post-metal band. With sludgy riffs and melodic melodies, their songs conjure up intense imagery and atmosphere. Check them out if you like Isis, Neurosis and Mastodon.