🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Slowly Light Collides
Track 2: Mind Is a Shadow
Track 3: How Many Dreams
Track 4: Spirit and Matter
Track 5: From Our Darkest Moments
Track 6: Reverse the Code
Track 7: Lost to Flame
Track 8: The Answer
Track 9: Triptych Visions
Track 10: A Tide Unturning
🎸 Album Review:
Hinayana, the Texas-based melodic death-doom band, has returned with their sophomore album “Shatter and Fall,” a powerful and emotionally charged offering that delves deep into themes of introspection, loss, and the human experience. Released on March 26, 2021, this album showcases the band’s growth and maturity both musically and lyrically, solidifying their position in the metal scene.
The album kicks off with “Slowly Light Collides,” a haunting instrumental track that sets the tone for the journey ahead. The atmospheric intro leads seamlessly into “Mind Is a Shadow,” a track that immediately captivates with its dynamic guitar work and intense vocals. The juxtaposition of harsh growls and melodic clean vocals creates a sense of emotional depth, drawing the listener in from the start.
Themes of existential questioning and inner turmoil permeate tracks like “How Many Dreams” and “Spirit and Matter,” where the band explores the fragile balance between the spiritual and material worlds. The melancholic melodies and crushing riffs weave together seamlessly, creating a dark and immersive sonic landscape that envelops the listener.
Standout tracks like “From Our Darkest Moments” and “Lost to Flame” showcase Hinayana’s ability to craft emotionally charged epics that ebb and flow with intensity. The intricate guitar work, thunderous drums, and emotive vocals build to cathartic climaxes that leave a lasting impact. These tracks exemplify the band’s mastery of blending melodic beauty with crushing heaviness, creating a sound that is both ethereal and devastating.
“Reverse the Code” stands out as a more introspective and atmospheric track, with its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics delving into themes of self-discovery and personal growth. The delicate interplay between the instruments creates a sense of vulnerability that is both raw and captivating.
The album reaches its climax with “Triptych Visions” and “A Tide Unturning,” two tracks that showcase the band’s ability to craft epic compositions that resonate on a profound level. The intricate arrangements, poignant lyrics, and powerful vocal delivery culminate in a cathartic listening experience that lingers long after the final notes fade away.
In comparison to their debut album, “Shatter and Fall” represents a natural progression for Hinayana. While their debut showcased their potential and talent, this sophomore effort sees the band honing their craft and refining their sound. The production is crisper, the songwriting more mature, and the performances more dynamic. Hinayana has truly come into their own with this release, solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.
Overall, “Shatter and Fall” is a stunning achievement for Hinayana, a band that continues to push boundaries and explore the depths of human emotion through their music. The album is a testament to the power of metal as a vehicle for introspection and catharsis, offering a sonic journey that is as emotionally resonant as it is musically impressive. With “Shatter and Fall,” Hinayana has not only solidified their place in the metal pantheon but has also set a new standard for melodic death-doom music. This is an album that demands to be heard, experienced, and felt in all its raw, unbridled beauty.