ONE WITH THE RIVERBED

Absence SNOW WAVE

Michigan post-black metallers head out into the wilderness

This Michigan quintet combine atmospheric postmetal with grandiose black metal. Absence is their first album after 2018’s Solace

EP, revealing a sound that’s more focused, offering less atmospheric meandering and more driven intensity.

Thaw journeys from field recordings through keening cinematic landscapes and into pummelling passages of black metal. The leads go all proggy at the close, before the ravenous pace returns with Carcass. It bleeds out into breathy environs, with contrasting male and female vocals.

Disembodied is borne on the wings of a great riff, skittering through the wilderness before the melodic repose of Sanctuary and spirited closer

Phantom’s Glance. Absence is best enjoyed as a whole. It’s a dynamic journey through wild expanses that proves the destination is often less important than the journey itself. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Panopticon, Cult Of Luna, Wolves In The Throne Room

TOM O’BOYLE