Metal Storm logo
Gloson - Mara review




Bandcamp music player
Reviewer:
N/A

5 users:
7.6
Band: Gloson
Album: Mara
Release date: April 2019


01. Usurper
02. Equinox

2017's Grimen was one of the finest post-metal debuts of recent years. Two years on, and whilst Gloson haven't produced a sophomore full-length yet, they've now treated us to an abridged display of what they've been up to since.

For the most part, Gloson have thus far employed a murky, sludgy brand of post-metal, offering up the expected loud/soft transitions but maintaining the same sinister, oppressive atmosphere whilst doing so, with thick, crunchy riffs, heavy, semi-ritualistic drumming, and an in-your-face sound. "Usurper", the first of two tracks on Mara, is very much in this sonic vein, maintaining a malevolent vibe throughout, with its tom-heavy drumming and creepy guitar work. There is also ample use of ominous dialogue samples (of unknown origin) during both songs here.

Whilst 'standard' Gloson is perfectly enjoyable, their diversions into more melodic territory have been more than welcome in the past, such as on Grimen's epic closer "Embodiment" or the partly symphonic closing moments of "The Aftermath/Beginning" from Yearwalker. To that end, the second track, "Equinox", is far more melancholic than the bleak, oppressive opening track. It starts off unassuming enough, with a sludgy, punishing opening couple of minutes, but semi-melodic guitar leads throughout this opening hint at levity later on, which arrives around the 3-minute mark. From this point onwards, an overtly melodic lead guitar line announces a less claustrophobic and more sorrowful end to proceedings.

At 15 minutes, this is only a bitesize sample ahead of what I can only hope is a more substantial effort to come later on this year/next year, but for now Mara acts as a nice demonstration that one of the more exciting bands to emerge in post-metal this decade are still active and as intimidating as ever.





Written on 06.04.2019 by Hey chief let's talk why not


Comments

Comments: 4   Visited by: 51 users
06.04.2019 - 22:05
tea[m]ster
Au Pays Natal
I facebooked with the band and they said two or three songs are already done for an upcoming full-length. Excellent review and thanks.
----
rekt
Loading...
06.04.2019 - 22:26
Rating: 8
musclassia

Written by tea[m]ster on 06.04.2019 at 22:05

I facebooked with the band and they said two or three songs are already done for an upcoming full-length. Excellent review and thanks.


Good to hear!
Loading...
07.04.2019 - 06:30
Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress
Came for the cover art, stayed for the well written review. You definitely make this one sound interesting, I've been getting a little more into post lately but overall prefer it on the sludgier, more aggressive end of the spectrum. Sounds like this will scratch that itch?
----
I am the Magician and the Exorcist. I am the axle of the wheel, and the cube in the circle. “Come unto me” is a foolish word: for it is I that go.

~ II. VII
Loading...
07.04.2019 - 12:04
Rating: 8
musclassia

Written by Auntie Sahar on 07.04.2019 at 06:30

Came for the cover art, stayed for the well written review. You definitely make this one sound interesting, I've been getting a little more into post lately but overall prefer it on the sludgier, more aggressive end of the spectrum. Sounds like this will scratch that itch?


I think if you like post- that's on the sludgier end of the spectrum, this band is probably going to be more up your street than most. If you like this EP then I'd recommend giving Grimen a listen - it's more in line with the first song on this EP than the second one.
Loading...

Hits total: 1782 | This month: 6