MOTHER OF MILLIONS: Magna Mater (PROGRESSIVE METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Mother of Millions returns in 2024 with “Magna Mater”, an album heavy with meaning and emotional power. After the tragedy that struck the band in 2019 with the loss of their keyboardist Makis Tsamkosoglou, the band decided to carry on -without replacing him- opting for a streamlined but still profound sound. Released on the ViciSolum label, “Magna Mater” unfurls nine tracks of metal-tinged modern progressive rock, a journey through dense, meditative atmospheres, underpinned by deft instrumentation and melodies imbued with sadness and resilience.

The album opens with 'Inside', a track of heavy, jerky riffs. The intensity of Kostas Konstantinidis's guitars and Panos Priftis's bass lines define the dark, complex character of this opener, but the approach remains very similar to that of previous albums, notably “Sigma” and “Artifacts”. So much so that, even if the whole remains effective, its impact is limited by overly linear instrumentations... George Prokopiou's vocal lines, alternately calm and heart-rending, bring this inner struggle to life, recalling the emotional nuances of bands like Leprous or Poem, with whom Mother of Millions share a taste for progressive tension and powerful climaxes.

The eponymous track marks a transition to more ethereal, introspective moods, with the addition of guest female vocals (Antonia Mavronikola) enriching the atmosphere. Here, George Boukaouris's drums alternate between gentle rhythms and pounding strikes, creating a contrast with the melancholy keyboard layers, reminiscent of the atmospheric approach of The Ocean or Riverside.

Placed at the heart of the album, 'Liminal' and 'The Line' show the influence of the post-rock and shoegaze scene on the band, who deploy hazy synths and groovy rhythm sections. In 'The Line', the keyboards take on a cinematic dimension, infusing a grandeur reminiscent of Cult of Luna's epic textures, while remaining true to Mother of Millions' own sensibility. Yet even here, the balance between instrumentation and vocals remains perfectible, leaving Prokopiou to carry the emotional impact almost single-handedly.

The real turning point comes with 'Irae'. This track stands out for its gradual build-up of power, alternating gentleness and brutality with remarkable aplomb. For the first time, Prokopiou's voice explores rougher registers, verging on the scream, which opens the field to raw emotions that could have enriched the whole album. This track - one of the most captivating on the album - echoes the more audacious works of Katatonia and Anathema. This cathartic moment is followed by 'Space', a softer, more introspective conclusion, where the instrumental accompaniment finally gives Prokopiou the space she needs to shine...

Despite its qualities, “Magna Mater” falls short of expectations in terms of innovation. The album showcases sincere emotion and undeniable technical mastery, but struggles to break away from the patterns already explored by the band in their past discography. Although understandable after a period of reconstruction, this cautious choice limits the overall impact, especially as some tracks show that the Greeks still have the capacity to surprise and go further. - Official website

MOTHER OF MILLIONS

MAGNA MATER

VICISOLUM

PROGRESSIVE METAL