Throughout the times of metal, it seems that one unifying concept has always been common. The demise of mankind and often with it the world. Deciding to tackle the grandiose and truly morbid concept, Locrian offer us a different perspective that the classic balls to the wall approach. Dancing between finesse and dense musical sounds we welcome you into the world of Infinite Dissolution.
[tracklist]
1. Arc Of Extinction
2. Dark Shales
3. KXL I
4. The Future Of Death
5. An Index Of Air
6. KXL II
7. The Great Dying
8. Heavy Water
9. KXL III
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]48 : 00[/length]
[record_label]Relapse Records[/record_label]
[release_date]24th July 2015[/release_date]
[/details]
Conjuring up various different emotions is never an easy task. Made particularly harder by an absence of an often poignant string to any band’s bow, vocals. Though the vocals might be there, sporadically, Locrian bring to mind an element of serene calm. Yet whilst this beautiful picture is being painted, stealthily distortion creeps in. The cryptically titled “KXL I” begins with the sounds of crickets, before the bitty feedback appears and soft notes are pronounced. Marching onwards with the solemn floor toms hit the song is moved forward in a truly ethereal sense.
Infinite Dissolution is perhaps a record that would be best absorbed, a perfect soundtrack to reading, or perhaps something that might make you drift in and out of the musical loop. Getting lost in the almost shoe gaze sounds of opener “Arc Of Extinction” which wouldn’t sit out of place amongst a Mogwai fans collection. Though it seems that the band introduce brilliantly different approaches to music from the firework sounding introduction to “Future Of Death” a song that contains groove! A small amount of groove, but it’s there nonetheless. The pained screams of our singer echoing the albums thematic element and classic talking point in metal, extinction.
Painting a fantastically bleak back drop for the experimental sounds summoned throughout the record. “An Index Of Air” being one of the albums slower songs where the band truly begin to flex their creative muscles. Infinite Dissolution could be aptly described as an epistle to Tangerine Dream, whilst surfing on wave of post black metal, with foundations on a bed rock of ambience. The often oversaturated and certainly, egocentric experimental scene would do well to listen to the band.
On the surface perhaps slightly pretentious the make up of Locrian’s DNA is very much in familiar areas. From likes of Wolves In The Throne Room to Godspeed! You Black Emperor, without all the hearsay in between. With some beautiful lead lines working their way through the record, swatted away by the larger than life sections where bass overrides. Helped in part no doubt by the producer, Greg Norman, who has been responsible for the success of both Pelican and Russian Circles to name but a few. Creating that haze like aura that the album has in spades.
Beginning with a scratching sound, melded with tweeting of birds and what can only be described as an old gramophone “KXL II” ushers us into a further stage of humanity’s demise. Ironically being a rather disconcerting piece, juxtaposing the uplifting melodies with the increasingly invasive feedback. Which makes way for the album’s solemn “The Great Dying” where perhaps we see our artist’s prediction come to fruition. Yet instead of the anvil riffs that are commonplace, instead we are lifted up. As though the human race were in sleep paralysis, aware of their crumbling surroundings yet were unable to do anything about it.
I’m not going to lie, usually I think that most experimental music doesn’t warrant the time of day. If you’re not a fan, then this is definitely not for you. However tackling and incredibly dark and broad subject such as extinction is commendable. The way that is tackled is even better . Opting for a more minimalist approach the band slowly ease you into the demise of the earth rather than relentless shoving it down your throat.
Locrian have created an competent cohesive album that intrigues the ear. Often finding myself having lapsed slightly I had to go back listen once again before once more being dispelled into their beautiful decay. An interesting listen for those of a more inquisitive nature.
[verdict]Maybe[/verdict]
[why]Locrian have crafted an intelligent and definitely out there take on the concept of extinction. Perhaps not to everyone’s tastes, though for those that fancy something a little different, I implore you to enter Infinite Dissolution.[/why]
