Downfall of Gaia

Post as a prefix means after or later than, but in the case of music, it means something decidedly more. Sure, Downfall of Gaia's brand of post-black metal did come after the creation of black metal, and draws on its trademarks, but it adds emotions not generally associated with the stoic genre. This isn't to say Suffocating in the Swarm of Cranes isn't heavy; the band don't just utilize the din of black metal, they utilize it well. However, it's the "post" part of the equation that really set Downfall of Gaia apart. Swelling soundscapes build and fade, eliciting emotions ranging from the most melancholy, to veritable joy. Meanwhile, the vocals seem more like a complementary instrument, used to enhance the mood and less like a vehicle to deliver a message. In this case, it appears the music is the message, so please refrain from shooting the messenger(s), because they delivered an impressive collection of songs.