Gathiens

Nesh

BY Chris AyersPublished Mar 19, 2009

With its influx of bands over the past few years, instrumental prog metal has become a formidable subgenre, and contenders would be wise to give Gathiens a wide berth. Aside from the obvious Red Sparowes/Grails references, this Ohio quartet align themselves most closely with Russian Circles, though Nesh (the debut release from the Ohio-based Murkhouse label) ebbs and flows with a stunning fluidity all its own, captured only via jam sessions. "Alto Above" immediately recalls the recent output by Boston's Disappearer, with its multiple climaxes and dénouements, yet "Connectango" is driven by Andy Silva's hypnotic tom work and King Crimson-like guitar effects. "Inner Mission" sports a Clockhammer vibe, with resonating chords, and "Telos" approaches a complex inner space via Cody Kirkendall's atmospheric guitar applications. Shaping monolithic guitar noise with melody, "Squall" and "Hegira" play the psych doom card like Sugartooth covering Reverend Bizarre. The album closes with the Tides-esque title track, which seems to narrate the album's wildly abstract artwork. Gathiens are currently working on their follow-up album, which will hopefully be even more transcendent than Nesh, already sure to be among the year's best.
(Murkhouse)

Latest Coverage