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Maudlin - A Sign Of Time review



Reviewer:
8.0

7 users:
6.86
Band: Maudlin
Album: A Sign Of Time
Release date: February 2013


01. Hours
02. She Whispers Treason
03. Lilith
04. A Perfect Sky of Black
05. Become Minutes
06. Ride the Second Wave
07. Goddess of the Flame
08. Chasing Shades
09. Turn to Seconds

Bands with a wailing guitar, an all-encompassing bass, and a dose of psychedelic rock are really making me happy these days. It's a moment in time? after the explosion of great music yet before the lesser musicians jump on the bandwagon and cheapen it. Enjoy this moment while it lasts. I know I am.

I could see Maudlin's A Sign Of Time being called "progressive post metal," "post-sludge," or, "more of that awesome bluesy psychedelic thing that's happening right now." Whatever. It's dark and captivating. Strangely enough, I hear hints of Americana, which is weird since these guys are Belgian. But they have enough of that southern "Savannah sludge" vibe that I was plenty fooled. And happily so.

The guitars howl through a dense, raw atmosphere and really set the stage for the album. That thick bass ties everything together and makes A Sign Of Time one of the most cohesive records in this new style. Maudlin incorporates several vocal styles, which is a big treat here. Sometimes the post metal-like yells add to the thick atmosphere, other times the vocalists together create interesting and perfectly strange harmonies. Then there's "Ride The Second Wave," which channels some sweet mid-90 gothic rock, a la Type O Negative while the vocals transmit the lyrics in a visceral cry.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the creepy opening track. Let's say you're walking through a playground at night. It's early fall; there is a chill on the air and the wind rustles some leaves and causes the chains of an old swing to creak as it sways. What is the last sound you'd want to hear at this moment? That's the intro. No giveaways. Just go listen.

Before we finish, I must mention the excellent "Chasing Shades," which opens with a bare guitar duo. After the thick mood of the album thus far, this second-to-last track wakes you up for the big finish. It's moments like this that pepper the postdoomsludgerock with personality and compel you to spin the record again.

Like a passing reflection, each contributing musical style shows itself just long enough for you to glance in its direction, but it's already gone; absorbed. That's atmosphere, friends, and Maudlin could teach a class on it.

Listen at Bandcamp, then buy on CD or beautiful vinyl.





Written on 07.03.2013 by Susan appreciates quality metal regardless of sub-genre. Metal Storm Staff since 2006.

Twitter: @HeavyMetalSusan


Comments

Comments: 4   Visited by: 156 users
07.03.2013 - 07:22
whatsacow

Saw this on facebook and thought it was a new MoTW album and almost had gleeful aneurism. Oh well, shall look these guys up sometime soon.
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When God made up the golden rule, do you think he noticed that it condones rape?
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07.03.2013 - 12:18
togo95

You are right, the atmosphere is very nice. Personally I liked songs Lilith and Goddess of the Flame the most, but it also seems like a very good album as a whole.
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07.03.2013 - 14:08
Auntie Sahar
Drone Empress
Sounds exactly what I felt that Last Barons release was missing, albeit a tad darker, and as much as I love flower power psychedelic music, I do prefer it when it leans towards the more darkly hypnotic side of the equation. "The guitars howl through a dense, raw atmosphere and really set the stage for the album. That thick bass ties everything together and makes A Sign Of Time one of the most cohesive records in this new style. Maudlin incorporates several vocal styles, which is a big treat here." You are speaking my language! Consider that Bandcamp page bookmarked on my behalf
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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
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07.03.2013 - 19:51
schizodelight

Written by whatsacow on 07.03.2013 at 07:22

Saw this on facebook and thought it was a new MoTW album and almost had gleeful aneurism. Oh well, shall look these guys up sometime soon.


I did this EXACT same thing!
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Prepare for unforeseen consequences.
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