|
|
""Lightless" is a pleasant record if you're willing to lose yourself in it, an endearing, astonishing album that's as powerful as it is gentle."
|
3/5
|
|
|
|
Vipassi is an Australian band formed by the ex-drummer of Ne Obliviscaris and the guitarist of technical death metal band A Million Dead Birds Laughing. After an EP, "Śūnyatā", the band released their debut album, "Lightless", which calls out with its superb chiaroscuro cover, where, under a twilight sky, women dance around a fire. Immerse yourself in this instrumental record, and experience this metallic metaphysical trance.
The musicians' high level of technical skill is as much a quality as it is a flaw. It's a major asset, as it allows them to explore surprising territory, but it also demands greater attention when they blur the lines ('Promethea'). So much so, that the emotion of the superb ideas and polished ambiences only comes after many listens.
Although "Lightless" is highly homogeneous, its seductive power lies in the silky, jazz-metal climates reminiscent of Mahavishnu Orchestra. The absence of vocals allows the musicians to express themselves fully, offering multiple breaths of fresh air. Vipassi offers long sequences of aerial arpeggios, vaporous climates, breaks with intense riffs or asymmetrical rhythms.
Strongly inspired by modern Progressive Metal, the band adds its own personal touch, with a distinctive sound and numerous variations that make for a very fluid listening experience. A track like 'Labyrinthine Hex' surprises with its convolutions and sequences of evanescent clear arpeggios, while the hypnotic 'Morningstar' is a kind of dreamlike journey. The solitary guitar is another strong point. In the ambient sonic magma ('Rumination Glow'), it sounds more like Pink Floyd and spreads out gentle melodies. It can also go off into Dream Theater-like motifs, as on 'Neon Rain' when it unfurls a moving melody.
"Lightless" is a kind of musical rollercoaster that requires time and patience, a record that gives rise to new sensations as it listens. It's an astonishing experience where technique reigns supreme. As the journey unfolds, Vipassi reveals a little more of himself, giving us a taste of his evocative power. It's an endearing record that's well worth a listen. - Official website
|
|
|
|
|
TRACK LISTING:
01. Lightless
02. Labyrinthine Hex
03. Morningstar
04. Shapshu
05. Phainesthai
06. Ruination Glow
07. Neon Rain
08. Promethea
LINEUP:
Arran McSporran: Basse
Ben Boyle: Guitares / Claviers
Benjamin Baret: Guitares
Dan Presland: Batterie
|
|
| |
|
(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top of the page
|
| |
|
|
(0) COMMENT(S)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
READERS
-/5 (0 view(s))
|
STAFF:
3/5 (1 view(s))
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
OTHER REVIEWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|