🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: The Calm Mind
Track 2: Becoming
Track 3: Far Away, at Home
Track 4: The Principle
Track 5: Between the Stars
Track 6: Of Mysteries and Secrets
Track 7: Rebirth
Track 8: Art Is God
🎸 Album Review:
Maladie, the avant-garde black metal band hailing from Germany, has always been known for pushing the boundaries of extreme music. With their latest offering, ‘Symptoms IV’, they continue to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche and deliver a sonic journey that is as unsettling as it is captivating.
The album opens with “The Calm Mind”, a brooding instrumental track that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The haunting melodies and eerie atmosphere immediately draw the listener into Maladie’s twisted world. As the album progresses, it becomes clear that ‘Symptoms IV’ is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive and immersive experience that demands full attention from the listener.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Becoming”, a relentless onslaught of blast beats, dissonant guitars, and guttural vocals. The track showcases Maladie’s technical prowess and their ability to seamlessly blend elements of black metal, death metal, and progressive rock into a cohesive whole. The chaotic nature of the song perfectly encapsulates the theme of transformation and rebirth that runs throughout the album.
“Far Away, at Home” introduces a more melodic side of Maladie, with clean vocals juxtaposed against the harsh screams and intricate guitar work. The track explores feelings of longing and displacement, creating a sense of unease that lingers long after the song has ended. This contrast between beauty and brutality is a recurring theme on ‘Symptoms IV’ and adds depth to the overall listening experience.
Another standout track is “Of Mysteries and Secrets”, a sprawling epic that clocks in at over ten minutes. The song takes the listener on a journey through shifting dynamics and intricate arrangements, building to a cathartic climax that is both exhilarating and unsettling. The intricate instrumentation and complex song structures demonstrate Maladie’s ability to craft music that is both challenging and rewarding.
In comparison to their previous albums, ‘Symptoms IV’ sees Maladie pushing their sound even further into the realm of avant-garde experimentation. While their earlier works were already known for their complexity and innovation, this album feels like a culmination of everything the band has been working towards. The production is top-notch, allowing every instrument to shine through and creating a dense sonic landscape that rewards repeated listens.
The overall impact of ‘Symptoms IV’ is profound. The album is a challenging listen, full of dissonant harmonies, unpredictable rhythms, and unsettling lyrics. It is not an album that can be easily digested in one sitting, but rather one that requires time and patience to fully appreciate. The themes of transformation, isolation, and existential dread are woven throughout the album, creating a sense of unease that permeates every track.
In conclusion, ‘Symptoms IV’ is a bold and uncompromising statement from Maladie. It is an album that demands attention and rewards those willing to delve into its twisted depths. With this release, Maladie cements their status as one of the most innovative and boundary-pushing bands in the extreme music scene. ‘Symptoms IV’ is a challenging listen, but for those willing to embark on the journey, it is a deeply rewarding experience that will linger in the mind long after the final notes have faded away.