🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: New Heaven
Track 2: Violet Seizures
Track 3: Desolation’s Harp
Track 4: Endless Grey
Track 5: Gardens in the Dark
Track 6: The Children the Bombs Overlooked
Track 7: Concrete Cliffs
Track 8: Forest Service Road Blues
🎸 Album Review:
Inter Arma’s latest offering, ‘New Heaven’, is a sonic journey that defies genre boundaries and showcases the band’s evolution in both sound and lyrical themes. Released on Relapse Records, this eight-track album is a testament to the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical elements.
From the opening title track, ‘New Heaven’, the listener is immediately engulfed in a wall of sound that combines elements of sludge, black metal, and post-rock. The track sets the tone for the rest of the album, with its haunting melodies and expansive atmosphere. The production on this album is top-notch, allowing each instrument to shine through while maintaining a sense of cohesion throughout.
One of the standout tracks on the album is ‘Desolation’s Harp’, a sprawling epic that clocks in at over ten minutes. The track showcases the band’s ability to seamlessly blend aggression and beauty, with crushing riffs giving way to ethereal passages that evoke a sense of melancholy and introspection. The dynamic shifts in this track keep the listener engaged from start to finish, making it a standout moment on the album.
Another highlight is ‘Gardens in the Dark’, a track that sees the band delving into more experimental territory with its use of atmospheric textures and intricate guitar work. The song builds slowly, creating a sense of tension that eventually culminates in a cathartic release of energy. The band’s ability to create mood and atmosphere is truly impressive on this track, showcasing their growth as songwriters.
Compared to Inter Arma’s previous albums, ‘New Heaven’ sees the band pushing their boundaries even further and exploring new sonic territories. While their earlier work was known for its ferocity and intensity, this album sees the band incorporating more melodic elements and ambient textures into their sound. The result is a more nuanced and dynamic listening experience that rewards repeat listens.
The album’s closing track, ‘Forest Service Road Blues’, is a fitting conclusion to the journey that ‘New Heaven’ takes the listener on. The track combines elements of folk and Americana with the band’s signature heavy sound, creating a sense of closure and reflection. It’s a bold choice for a closing track, but one that ultimately pays off and leaves a lasting impression on the listener.
Overall, ‘New Heaven’ is a bold and ambitious statement from Inter Arma that solidifies their status as one of the most exciting bands in the metal scene today. The album showcases the band’s growth and willingness to push boundaries, resulting in a captivating listening experience that is both challenging and rewarding. With ‘New Heaven’, Inter Arma have crafted a masterpiece that is sure to stand the test of time and cement their legacy as innovators in the genre.