This New Zealand based projects finds coarse vocals gasping for their last breath over a post-hardcore that would otherwise not be far removed from bands like Failure. It sounds like the end result is due to the guy just not being able to sing and settling on this vocal presentation. The second song proves that my assumption was not far off as when he does try to sing it's weak and rather pitchy. I think with the help of a power producer they might have been able to work around this. "Abyss Watchers" finds a return to the harsher vocals that once again provide a contrast to the more grungy angular jangle of the guitars.
"Rainhammer' comes down with more of a grunge-infused rock clamor with graceful flourished of melodic guitar work layered in. When this occurs it is clearly the project's best moment. This time around the vocals are spoken rather than sung. The thick burly bass line of "Antipode" is not unlike what we have heard from bands like Helmet or the Melvins. The vocals are more of a tense whisper going into the song. It's almost as if Agalloch was not a black metal band but a grunge-era band. They way the vocals somewhat shift as the dynamics build supports this comparison.
The more deliberate title track drones against the steady pulse that proves effective.The song after this feels like meandering black metal with shoe-gazing leanings, which is not out of left field and we have heard it done better. Then it is not until the last song that he really delivers. The vocals here are much better than any other vocal performance on the album. This makes the harsher vocals work better. The bass playing on this album continues to impress. Overall I will give this album an 8, needs better production and more coaching vocally, but they are onto something that works.
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