Tuesday 1 July 2014

Collapsian - At The Left Hand Of The Sun - Album Review

At The Left Hand Of The Sun cover art

Album Type: Album
Date Released: July 1st 2014
Label: Self Released

At The Left Hand Of The Su - track listing:

1.Cold Hands
2.The Hell That Never Ends
3.Apocryphungal
4.Psychoderek
5.Calloused 06:53
6.Spectral Prolapse
7.Weaker the Gripstein
8.Slew of Wounds

Bio

Collapsian are a 4-piece band from the Phoenix/Tempe, AZ area that plays a well infused style of metal which draws influences from sludge, black-metal, doom, psychedelic and progressive rock. Collapsian members have been involved in other projects such as Sihr, Mosara, Prosthetics and Drone Throne. We have just finished recording our debut LP which is entitled "At The Left Hand Of The Sun". This record was written, recorded, and mixed by Collapsian. Mastering duties were handled by Brad Boatright (Sleep, All Pigs Must Die, Nails, High on Fire), and the awesomely bizarre artwork was done by Dr.Winter (Gigan). Additional logo design was also done by renowned logo artist Christophe Szpajdel (Emperor, Nachtmystium, Wolves in the Throne Room).

Band Members

Anton - Guitars
Chad - Drums
Joe - Bass
Tom - Vox

Review:

Collapsian's debut album - At The Left Hand Of The Sun – is a volatile mix of Sludge, Doom, Black Metal and Hardcore for one uncompromising ride into the darker side of progressive metal.

The album is not an easy listen as its constant change in moods and atmospheres could be quite difficult for some people to follow. It dares to be different by not following one set musical style. It blends elements from different genres for one violent and hypnotic trippy ride. First track - Cold Hands – is a track that serves as a brief teaser on what to expect for the next 45 minutes or so. It has a blackened hardcore fury with the progressive sides of Collapsian’s music slowly creeping in.

It is on 2nd track – The Hell That Never Ends – that really starts this album off with a warped soundbyte that will question your own faith and the world around you. Before Collapsian, unleash their true identity to the world. Heavy psychedelic vibes that flow between short sharp violent riffs to louder and dangerous epic riff as the band experiment with their sound by adding different noises. It can be uncomfortable at times but Collapsian do not shy away from the true horrors around them. Collapsian make you feel trapped in your own eternal nightmare where there is no escape.

Collapsian combine hard-hitting social statements through their music especially on 3rd track - Apocryphungal. It is a two minute plus track that raises some important questions with noisy glitch based sounds adding plenty of substance to the angry exchanges going on in the background.

4th track - Psychoderek - starts with multiple voices venting their anger to the world. Collapsian blend ambient post-rock quiet riffs with distorted noises before exploding blackened hardcore fury a few minutes into the song. It portrays a band at war with society as the progressive metal vibes become louder and harsher in tone. It makes the album a more involving experience, as Collapsian do not hold back with the intense music and vocals with each passing moment. The last few moments of this track are some of the most disturbing noises I have heard in a very long time. Unsettling does not even come close to describing the final moments of this creepy song. Don’t say I did not warn you.

I have only described only 4 of the albums 8 tracks but it gives you a strong indication on what to expect for the rest of the album. The 2nd half of the album is equally as inventive and disturbing as the first half. With more, psych based noises and riffs taking you further into the darkness. The album has a slight Isis/Neurosis influence but it does not stop the fact that this album is a masterclass of progressive sludge metal. It is an intelligent and thought-provoking album that oozes sheer brutality with passion to match.

This has the potential to be one of the best sludge metal debut albums of 2014.

Thanks to the band for sending me a promo to review. At The Left Hand Of The Sun is available to buy now on CD/DD. Vinyl Release maybe coming later in the year.

Check The Band From Links Below


Written by Steve Howe