🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Feast of the Outcast
Track 2: To Watch with Hands
Track 3: Rat Race
Track 4: When the Earth Turns Black
Track 5: Friends Aren’t Electric
Track 6: Through the Looking Glass
Track 7: Temptress
Track 8: Oblivion
🎸 Album Review:
Coltre’s latest offering, “To Watch With Hands To Touch With Eyes,” is a striking and immersive journey into the depths of atmospheric black metal. This Italian band has carved out a niche for themselves in the metal scene with their unique blend of black metal, post-rock, and avant-garde influences, and this album solidifies their place as innovators in the genre.
From the moment the haunting opening track, “Feast of the Outcast,” kicks in, listeners are enveloped in a dense sonic landscape filled with swirling guitars, thunderous drums, and anguished vocals. The production on this album is top-notch, allowing every instrument to shine through while still maintaining a sense of rawness and intensity.
Thematically, “To Watch With Hands To Touch With Eyes” delves into dark and introspective territory, exploring themes of isolation, existential dread, and the struggle for meaning in a chaotic world. Each track feels like a chapter in a larger narrative, drawing the listener deeper into Coltre’s twisted and hypnotic world.
Standout tracks on the album include the title track, “To Watch with Hands,” which showcases the band’s ability to seamlessly blend melodic passages with blistering black metal riffs. The juxtaposition of delicate clean vocals with harsh screams creates a sense of emotional depth and complexity that is truly captivating. “Rat Race” is another highlight, with its relentless pace and crushing guitars creating a sense of urgency and unease that is hard to shake.
“When the Earth Turns Black” is a slower, more atmospheric track that allows the band to showcase their dynamic range and mastery of mood and atmosphere. The haunting melodies and ethereal vocals create a sense of otherworldly beauty that is both chilling and captivating.
“Friends Aren’t Electric” is a standout track that sees Coltre incorporating elements of post-rock and shoegaze into their sound, resulting in a mesmerizing blend of aggression and beauty. The shimmering guitars and pulsating rhythms create a sense of tension and release that is truly exhilarating.
“Through the Looking Glass” is a more experimental track that sees the band pushing the boundaries of their sound, incorporating elements of avant-garde and industrial music into their black metal framework. The result is a dizzying and disorienting journey that is both challenging and rewarding.
“Oblivion,” the closing track of the album, is a fitting conclusion to this dark and immersive journey. The haunting melodies and soaring vocals create a sense of finality and resolution, leaving the listener with a sense of catharsis and closure.
In comparison to Coltre’s previous albums, “To Watch With Hands To Touch With Eyes” represents a significant evolution in their sound and songwriting. While their earlier work was more straightforward and aggressive, this album sees the band embracing a more experimental and atmospheric approach, resulting in a richer and more immersive listening experience.
Overall, “To Watch With Hands To Touch With Eyes” is a masterful and ambitious album that solidifies Coltre’s status as one of the most exciting bands in the black metal scene today. With its haunting melodies, intricate songwriting, and emotional depth, this album is a must-listen for fans of atmospheric and avant-garde metal. Coltre has crafted a truly immersive and captivating listening experience that will leave a lasting impact on all who dare to venture into their dark and twisted world.