Album Review: Botanist – Paleobotany

🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Aristolochia
Track 2: When Forests Turned to Coal
Track 3: Magnolia
Track 4: Archaeamphora
Track 5: The Impact That Built the Amazon
Track 6: Sigillaria
Track 7: Strychnos Electri
Track 8: Wollemia Nobilis
Track 9: Dioon
Track 10: Royal Protea

🎸 Album Review:
Botanist, the one-of-a-kind experimental black metal band hailing from San Francisco, has once again pushed the boundaries of music with their latest album, ‘Paleobotany’. Released in 2021, this album is a unique sonic journey that combines elements of black metal with lush, atmospheric textures inspired by the natural world.

From the opening track, ‘Aristolochia’, listeners are immediately transported into Botanist’s signature sound world. The album is a sonic exploration of ancient plants and their evolutionary history, with each track named after a specific plant species. The concept of ‘Paleobotany’ delves deep into the mysteries and wonders of prehistoric flora, creating a mesmerizing and immersive listening experience.

One of the standout tracks on the album is ‘When Forests Turned to Coal’. This track showcases Botanist’s ability to create a haunting atmosphere with layers of intricate guitar work and ethereal vocals. The juxtaposition of harsh black metal elements with delicate melodies creates a sense of tension and beauty that is truly captivating.

Another standout track is ‘The Impact That Built the Amazon’. This track stands out for its dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, with thunderous drumming and cascading guitar riffs that build to a powerful climax. The use of dramatic pauses and sudden bursts of energy keeps the listener on the edge of their seat, fully immersed in the sonic landscape that Botanist has created.

Compared to Botanist’s previous albums, ‘Paleobotany’ continues to push the boundaries of their sound and concept. While the band’s earlier work focused more on the relationship between plants and humans, ‘Paleobotany’ delves deeper into the natural history of plants and their role in shaping the world as we know it. The album feels more expansive and ambitious in scope, with a greater emphasis on intricate musical arrangements and atmospheric textures.

Overall, ‘Paleobotany’ is a masterful work of art that showcases Botanist’s unique vision and musical talent. The album is a testament to the band’s creativity and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what black metal can be. With its lush soundscapes, intricate compositions, and thought-provoking concept, ‘Paleobotany’ is a truly immersive listening experience that rewards repeated listens.

In conclusion, ‘Paleobotany’ by Botanist is a stunning achievement that solidifies the band’s place as one of the most innovative and visionary acts in the black metal genre. With its exploration of ancient plants and their evolutionary history, the album offers a rich and immersive sonic experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Fans of experimental black metal and atmospheric music will find much to love in ‘Paleobotany’, a true masterpiece that deserves to be heard and celebrated.