Seidr - Ginnungagap - review
Seidr - Ginnungagap - review
Tracklist
Disc I01. A Blink Of The Cosmic Eye
02. The Pillars Of Creation
03. Ginnungagap
Disc II
01. As You Return
02. The Red Planet Rises
03. Sweltering II: A Pale Blue Dot In The Vast Dark
A review by
Auntie Sahar December 09, 2013
Seidr are an extreme doom trio from Lousville, Kentucky, who, with their 2011 debut, immediately set a standard for exploring the limits of their style and pushing boundaries. Ginnungagap sees the band digging even deeper into such territory, and must be praised right off the bat for its unique blend of various sounds. Opening track "A Blink In The Cosmic Eye" plunges the listener into a mysterious, almost drone-like sea of hidden chants and other ambient effects, conjuring subtle thoughts of bands like Sunn O))) and Nadja. "As You Return," meanwhile, perhaps the most creative track on the album, is primarily driven by a beautiful acoustic guitar and rich vocal chants, creating a mood that brilliantly reflects the album's artwork.
In the meantime, Ginnungagap still retains most of the ingredients typical of extreme doom, and the moments in which Seidr fully embrace this style are pretty crushing to say the least (notably on the title track). Harsh as it may be, the more aggressive moments of the album still retain Seidr's excellent sense of melody and atmosphere, particularly on "The Pillars Of Creation." Said atmosphere comes across as a bit psychedelic at many points as well, which (although Seidr certainly aren't of their caliber) bring to mind thoughts of Esoteric. The blend of sounds and musical delivery in general is further brought out by the production, which crisply brings out both the melodic and rhythmic instrumentation with careful attention ("The Red Planet Rises" is probably the best example).
In short, Ginnungagap is quite the worthy sophomore effort from this American group, and is likely to see them further cement whatever good reputation they had previously earned with their debut. Despite the album's length, it never seems to get boring or drag on and on, and the variety in its sound is sure to keep first time listeners on their toes, not knowing what to expect next. Most importantly, Ginnungagap. leaves one thinking along the lines of "That was excellent! I wonder how they'll top it?" which is certainly the mark of a quality album.
Check it out over here.
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 9 |
| Songwriting: | 9 |
| Originality: | 8 |
| Production: | 9 |
Written by Auntie Sahar | December 09, 2013
Comments
Comments:
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Full streaming is actually available over on the record label's bandcamp page  http://bindrunerecordings.bandcamp.com/album/ginnungagap
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Posts: 5989 Written by Saiyanity on 10.12.2013 at 14:14 Fixed! Thanks buddy
---- 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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The last song reminds me of another album, but I can't remember what.
---- "I'm here to nunchuck and not wear helmets. And I'm all out of helmets." "I'll fight you on one condition. That you lower your nipples." " 'Tis a lie! Thy backside is whole and ungobbled, thou ungrateful whelp!"
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Really expansive and warm-sounding atmosphere, not in the least bit abrasive. Instantly reminded me of Bong's Mana-Yood-Sushai, both in mood and in thematic content. I've got to delve further into it, but it's shaping to be a really good album.
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Posts: 5989 Written by Czerny Reiter on 13.12.2013 at 18:19 Very interesting that you draw that comparison. Indeed, the first track does have a very drony quality to it, and now that I'm listening to it again I can certainly hear some Bong-ish themes
---- 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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