Soothsayer - Echoes of the Earth | Review

Not to be confused with Canada's Soothsayer, or even the long since disbanded Phoenix act, this Irish quintet compose audio far removed from thrash, or so the accompanying PR materials would have us believe. The art certainly points to such; a blazing inferno, engulfing a construct of sorts, casts shadows, a lone figure walks away from the carnage as if he carries not a care in the world. Naturally thoughts race to past black-metal controversy though with the way this image is captured (on canvas) depicting zero atrocity, there’s little indication that the audio will veer into either a death or black-metal direction.

"Fringe" is the introduction to both the album and the band's style. Perilously close to six minutes this track evokes vintage Akercocke antics, of incorporating ponderously long introductions. The gothic aura shrouded in baying wolves poses quite the gamble based on the minimalistic nature (chanting, ambient nature and a dusty background narration) it boasts. As the track climaxes however, the atmosphere has built to a palpable crescendo, patience has proven to be a virtue and the second track takes the baton. For those not accustomed to such, "Outer Fringe" is more easily accessible and bears abrupt and, blazingly obvious, definitive oomph following a traditional build, naturally. A furious passion seething with frustration amidst a slew of other emotions in the vocal department, complemented by rhythms straddling the funeral and death/doom fence widen the eyes whilst the haunting nature of the finale showcases the acts apparent hypnotic prowess.

"War of the Doves", next up, literally shatters the listeners assumptions with its unpredictable arrangement. Fading dissonant rhythms are usurped by a passage of bass noodling and a voice (courtesy of Eugene S. Robinson of Oxbow) boasting the power to evoke a stunning grasp of manifested grief and anguish. The aura of the album has suddenly transformed, a driving melodious dirge reigns to whet the audience’s appetite for stomping around in a style similar to an iconic robed Candlemass front man.

Akercocke sensibilities (this time in the arrangement department) are conjured again as the album passes the midway point; infrequent black metal rhythms nestle amidst a landscape dotted with progressive themes, whispered and bellowed vocals and a surprisingly tranquil classical interlude. Although "Cities of Smoke" sports the shortest length it stands triumphant sporting galloping movement and unbridled ferocity.

The album comes to a close with a pair of tracks which easily hurdle the ten-minute mark, a fact (like a hammer to the face) which bluntly portrays the genre this album is nearest. A trio of guest vocalists (sponsoring Benediction, Poltergeist, Murder One, and Medulla Nocte) complement the last half of the album propelling its captivation to stratospheric heights.

Unpredictable and showcasing a manhandling of the juxtaposition of melody versus unrestrained passion this album demands exploration and several listens to fully grasp and completely embrace. When that point is reached however be prepared for this is likely to be all-consuming. (8.4/10)

Cult

Band info: https://facebook.com/soothsayerdoom
Label info: http://tometal.com