Four very different heavy bands in Anthesis, Cell Press, Greber and Botfly have come together on a new split album. Even though each band has a different approach to heavy music, the songs work together to create an all-encompassing full length that flows cohesively from beginning to end. The album highlights some of the best bands in Canadian heavy music, and showcases their most daring material to date.
The album begins with the "Breaking Tired Limbs" by New Brunswick-based sludge and grindcore outfit Anthesis. Instead of their typical technical fare, Anthesis have opted for their slowest and bleakest riffs to date. The song slowly builds through a dissonant riff that eventually boils over into frenetic array of blast beats and unorthodox rhythmic patterns.
Cell Press trade in their hardcore tendencies for their take on stoner metal music. The infectious grooves of "Terminal Knave" and "Cell Prescient" are punishingly heavy while bringing in shades of Goatsnake to the mix. Anyone expecting more of the same from Cell Press will be pleasantly surprised by their attempt at an atypical metal sub-genre.
Greber's entry on this album results in their heaviest material to date. Both "Old Losers" and "Tove Lough" see Greber channeling the likes of Primitive Man and creating more atmospheric and immense music than on their previous releases. Employing a 'less is more' approach to song composition, Greber's balance of melody against sheer abrasiveness makes for their most nuanced music to date, segueing nicely into the album's closing act.
Halifax post-hardcore heavyweights Botfly close the album with "Confessions of Depression," built around looping a catchy riff and trading harsh vocals for a more melodic vocal delivery. The result is one of the most indie rock-leaning songs in the Botfly's catalogue, ending the album on a strong note while highlighting the band's many avenues to future success and acclaim.
None of the cohesion on the album would be possible without the work of Clouds Become Oceans, the ambient project of Anthesis guitarist Scott Miller. His instrumentals between each of the bands' sections provide a logical transition regardless of the variety of styles from each act. It's a bold move that helps bring the four bands together, resulting in an excellent collection of music from some of Canada's most promising heavy artists.
(Ancient Temple Recordings)The album begins with the "Breaking Tired Limbs" by New Brunswick-based sludge and grindcore outfit Anthesis. Instead of their typical technical fare, Anthesis have opted for their slowest and bleakest riffs to date. The song slowly builds through a dissonant riff that eventually boils over into frenetic array of blast beats and unorthodox rhythmic patterns.
Cell Press trade in their hardcore tendencies for their take on stoner metal music. The infectious grooves of "Terminal Knave" and "Cell Prescient" are punishingly heavy while bringing in shades of Goatsnake to the mix. Anyone expecting more of the same from Cell Press will be pleasantly surprised by their attempt at an atypical metal sub-genre.
Greber's entry on this album results in their heaviest material to date. Both "Old Losers" and "Tove Lough" see Greber channeling the likes of Primitive Man and creating more atmospheric and immense music than on their previous releases. Employing a 'less is more' approach to song composition, Greber's balance of melody against sheer abrasiveness makes for their most nuanced music to date, segueing nicely into the album's closing act.
Halifax post-hardcore heavyweights Botfly close the album with "Confessions of Depression," built around looping a catchy riff and trading harsh vocals for a more melodic vocal delivery. The result is one of the most indie rock-leaning songs in the Botfly's catalogue, ending the album on a strong note while highlighting the band's many avenues to future success and acclaim.
None of the cohesion on the album would be possible without the work of Clouds Become Oceans, the ambient project of Anthesis guitarist Scott Miller. His instrumentals between each of the bands' sections provide a logical transition regardless of the variety of styles from each act. It's a bold move that helps bring the four bands together, resulting in an excellent collection of music from some of Canada's most promising heavy artists.