Diorama – MØL
Denmark's resurgence as a major force in heavy music continues apace, with MØL firmly at the forefront of that nation's creative surge. It was obvious from 2018's debut album "Jord" that this band were injecting some much-needed originality into an increasingly stagnant post-black metal/shoegaze scene (if, indeed, something so hazy and non-committal could ever be described as a proper scene). Although not vastly different from many of their peers, no one could have accused MØL of sticking to some predetermined script. In fact, as with recent albums from DEAFHEAVEN and GHOST BATH, "Diorama" noisily seeks to establish the Danes' sound as a distinctive entity unto itself. The barrage of blackened scree and the gently ululating waves of post-rock atmospherics are here too, of course, but the course being followed is plainly one of the band's own design.
Opener "Fraktur" is a blur of aggression and elegant melody. Initially propelled along upon a skittering, nerve-jangling beat, it morphs and meanders with seamless abandon; simultaneously ferocious and lush. "Photophobic" is more of the same, but considerably more brutal, and with several serrated-edge riffs that cudgel their way into the foreground, amid flailing blastbeats and tangible menace. Equally at home with machine-gun, staccato riffing and epic, quasi-inspirational melodic crescendos, MØL are growing in confidence as songwriters: "Vestige" is a prime example, with its effortless transitions between angular, scabby-skinned brutality and huge, unapologetic hooks that spiral away into the ether, their creators' warped pop sensibilities on full show.
"Diorama" becomes even more interesting as MØL head deeper into the dark. "Tvesind" is an epic slice of deeply peculiar and wildly dynamic black metal: not a second of its eight minutes is wasted, as monstrous onslaught shape-shifts majestically into stately post-rock funeral parade and a droning, sonorous coda. Even more hypnotic is the title track, which mournfully basks in the spectral shimmer of old-school shoegaze, while steadily building towards the mother of all feedback-drenched crescendos.
Masters of known tropes and subversive freethinkers, MØL's new way of doing things has grown into something gripping and substantial here. As ever, the difference between the real deal and the thoroughly mediocre is brought into sharp focus. And as extreme as "Diorama" often is, the distinct possibility that this band might have an extremely bright future ahead is hard to ignore.
Related Articles
-
‘Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’ PS4 alpha breaks record
news
It is now the most downloaded alpha or beta in franchise history The post ‘Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold...
-
‘Put The Kid First!’: Taylor And Larry Clash At Teen Mom OG Reunion
news
Taylor and Larry clashed at the 'Teen Mom OG' reunion.
-
Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor Knock Out ‘All About That Bass’ Duet
news
Trainor celebrated the 10th anniversary of her debut single on Monday's episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show
-
Biffy Clyro announce 2020 UK arena tour – promising “the best thing you’ve ever fucking seen”
news
"Sometimes rock bands can just be a little too scared that it needs to be sweaty and dirty" The post...
-
Parkway Drive Taking A Break For Mental Health Reasons
news
Parkway Drive have shared an update with fans following their recent tour cancelation
-
Sega Bodega shares haunting new single, ‘I Need Nothing From You’
news
Co-written with BEA1991 The post Sega Bodega shares haunting new single, ‘I Need Nothing From You’ appeared first on NME.
-
TIM LAMBESIS Talks Rebuilding His Life After Surviving ‘The Most Dehumanizing Of Life Experiences’
news, Rock News
By David E. Gehlke AS I LAY DYING / AUSTRIAN DEATH MACHINE frontman Tim Lambesis re-emerged in 2017 after over...
-
Bruce Springsteen Sells His Masters, Publishing Catalog to Sony for $500 Million
news
Including over 300 songs, 20 studio albums, and 23 live LPs
0 Comments