Review: Locrian ‘End Terrain’
It isn’t very often I’m stuck for words when it comes to talking about music, or in the pursuit of writing a colourful review, I rarely find myself short of ideas of how to describe the experience I’ve had. Mostly, it rolls off without much persuasion, although I can sometimes find myself having to rein it in and self-edit for fear of overindulging.
It can take a lot to leave me somewhat speechless, but on the rare occasion that I am, it’s almost always due to a lack of words to concisely convey the enormity of what I’ve just experienced. Well, this is one of those times. Not for fear of a lack of things to say, but more so for the worry that what I write, won’t fully convey the majesty of what I’ve just encountered with the latest Locrian creation End Terrain.
The album in itself is nine tracks of unique, abrasive yet beautiful sonic pollution, which will push you firmly off in one direction, before dragging you back around for a swift kick to the nether regions within the splitting of a second.
To compartmentalise is to pointlessly speculate, as there are so many elements, and nuances at play, that not one or two comparable subgenres would fully articulate this experience. Nods to black metal, electronica and drone can also be met with hints of post-metal, and even some ambience, to conjure up all sorts of ideas, but for me, I like the term ‘vampiric doomgaze’, as that is the feeling I’m left with.
At times I’m drawn towards the likes of Explosions In The Sky and God Is An Astronaut for the electronic sound, just to clarify, not so much into Gary Numan realms, before you ask.
Over the course of the forty minutes, the range of emotions from suspense to joy, and back to anxiety is somewhat mesmerising, but whereas I’m sure I am making this sound like it’s a disjointed cacophony, that isn’t at all the case. What this is, for all intent and purpose, is a melding of elements so intense, that it will leave you breathless at every turn, in fear of what to expect next.
The musicianship is absolutely awe inspiring, and whereas lesser mortals would maybe not execute this to such quality, Locrian creates a musical landscape, the equivalent of driving across a minefield, terrified to proceed, but ready for destruction at any moment.
nine tracks of unique, abrasive yet beautiful sonic pollution…
Even from the opening bars of Chromoscapes, the band are taking no prisoners. The mix of screeched vocals condensed into the pummelling drums, distorted guitars, and electronic synths instantly awakens a nightmarish plateau. It is so full of sound that it literally feels like the speakers will burst from the intensity. This isn’t music for the faint of heart, it is as brutal as it is intoxicating, and by its climax, you are left unsure of what will come next.
Utopias, the following track, opens the dynamics of the bands sound fully, and where the first track was an instantaneous hit to the ears, this is a slower progression in density. This time things feel somewhat proggy too, with some futuristic sci-fi traits in the mix. It is sonically wonderous and has me reminiscing about old Genesis albums that my dad used to play when we were kids.
It’s a compelling listen, it evolves as it progresses, and by the halfway point, the tempo changes to reach its maximum velocity. This time the vocal is clean and proves without any doubt that the band have more than one string to their bow. As the album continues, it becomes a fully immersive experience, where ideas thrown out in the first two tracks seem to take turns in stepping forward to dominate the sonic space.
Tracks such as The World Is Gone, There Is No World encapsulate how the band want to show texture in their sound, and where most bands would settle for hitting the ground with one idea, Locrian take the concept of layering sound, and eloquently manipulate the vibe as it plays through. From the starting point to the ending note, it transforms to be unrecognisable as even the same track. It is here where I especially drawn a comparison with the aforementioned Explosions In The Sky and God Is An Astronaut, as the structure hits firmly in that sonic demographic.
Excarnate Light and In The Throes Of Petrifaction compact these concepts too, both solidifying just how masterfully Locrian can create these concepts and fully realise them into something which is both lavish, and intense, without feeling cheap or boring.
By the time After Extinction rolls around, I am left with no doubt as to just what a thrill ride this has been. Completely pulled out of my comfort zone, and a little dazed by it all, I find myself speechless. Maybe this is a good thing, maybe not, but one thing is for sure, this has been one hell of a ride.
Label: Profound Lore Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Twitter | Instagram
Scribed by: Lee Beamish
