Release Date - 3rd September
Label - Candlelight
TRNA are due to release their fourth album, Istok, on Candlelight Records. Hailing from Russia, the three piece are unleashing their style of black shoegaze/post metal to the masses on the 3rd September. TRNA draw from many influences, most notably Deafheaven as well as the ferocity of Mol and the atmospherics of Wolves in the Throne Room.
Album opener and title track, ‘Istok’, lulls you in with slow drums and a trudging bass line which builds the suspense and intertwines with the dynamics of the album. Once the guitars bleed out and the drums cease around the 2 minute 20 mark, a melodic guitar passage plods along until it bursts into life about a minute later, and from that moment on it’s hard to escape from the dream like soundscape for the remainder of the album.
The first time vocals appear on the album are on the third track, ‘Shining’ ,featuring Gaerea. Now, Gaerea – for those not aware – are a black metal band from Portugal. Kudos for the performance here from the vocalist (whose name we do not know) from Gaerea, as it is an outstanding showpiece in comparison to his usual output. Brutal at times, mesmerising at others, a truly wonderful collaboration.
The back to back, ‘Burning Bridges, Shattered Dreams’ and, ‘Hearts Turn To Stone’, is a fierce double header midway through the album, yet at the same time its hypnotic time signatures and expansive song structures leave you wanting more.
Follow-up ‘Rebirth’, in comparison is a jaunty little number with luscious guitars and bouncing bass, until it launches into their formula of fury and emotion which sees the pace almost tripled. An almighty display of cymbal crashes, splashes and fast paced fills creates a sense of having a panic attack. However, amongst all that is going on there are plenty of sections which let you come up for air and take a breather.
The album is an expressive journey, at times you will have adrenaline coursing through your veins, other times you will drifting away to the beautiful soundscapes TRNA have created. Once the album closes out it’s hard not to feel emotionally drained. That being said, this is an album that will draw you back in time after time.
8/10
Hozzászólások