Australian act Umbrío dives deep into the cosmos with their latest release, “Proclamación al Vórtice de los Tiempos” (Proclamation to the Vortex of Time). This instrumental album transcends genre limitations, weaving a tapestry of atmospheric black metal, progressive rock, and psychedelic influences. Let’s embark on this celestial journey, track by track, and see if Umbrío successfully ushers us into the “Vortex of Time.”
Track-by-Track Exploration of the Cosmos:
- I. The Unveiling: The album opens with a sense of mystery. Distant, melancholic guitar chords create an atmosphere of vast emptiness. Ethereal synths add a touch of cosmic wonder, hinting at the journey to come.
- II. Through the Celestial Gates: The tempo picks up here. Blast beats and tremolo-picked guitars introduce a sense of urgency, while layered synths create a swirling vortex of sound. This track is a sonic representation of hurtling through the cosmos.
- III. Hymn of the Astral Winds: A melancholic melody emerges here. Clean guitars and a prominent bass line create a sense of awe and wonder. The soaring lead guitar adds a touch of hopefulness, even amidst the vastness of space.
- IV. Dancers Amongst the Asteroids: This track throws in a curveball. A jazzy bass line and playful drum patterns create a more whimsical atmosphere. The distorted guitars add a touch of dissonance, keeping the listener engaged. Imagine space pirates waltzing through an asteroid field.
- V. Whispers from Extinct Stars: A return to a more atmospheric soundscape. Distorted guitars and haunting melodies create a sense of desolation. The layered synths add a touch of cosmic dread, hinting at the dangers lurking within the vortex.
- VI. The Eternal Maelstrom: This track builds in intensity. Fast tempos, blast beats, and chaotic guitar work create a sense of being caught in a cosmic storm. The swirling synths add to the disorientation, perfectly capturing the feeling of being lost in the vortex.
- VII. Cataclysmic Epiphany: A moment of calm emerges here. Clean guitars and melancholic piano chords create a sense of introspection. This track is a brief moment of reflection amidst the chaos, perhaps representing a realization gained within the vortex.
- VIII. The Architect of Time: The album closes with a sense of awe. Soaring melodies and a triumphant atmosphere depict a powerful entity that controls the very fabric of time. The final note hangs in the air, leaving the listener pondering the mysteries of the cosmos.
Verdict: 4 out of 5
“Proclamación al Vórtice de los Tiempos” is a bold and ambitious effort from Umbrío. The album successfully blends multiple genres, creating a unique and immersive listening experience. The musicianship is top-notch, with each instrument adding its own voice to the cosmic tapestry. The atmosphere is thick and evocative, transporting the listener to a world beyond our own.
A minor point to consider: Listeners who prefer more traditional metal structures might find the album’s lack of vocals and song-oriented elements disorienting.
However, for fans of atmospheric black metal, psychedelic rock, and instrumental explorations, “Proclamación al Vórtice de los Tiempos” is a must-listen. Umbrío has crafted an album that is both challenging and rewarding, leaving a lasting impression long after the final note fades away.
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