Saturday 27 August 2016

Envoys - Bliss (Album Review)


Release date: May 3rd 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Bliss – Tracklisting

1.Strange Attractor 03:16
2.The Hostage 05:59
3.Saboteurs 04:15
4.Bliss 04:46
5.N.A.B 05:43
6.Like a Son 01:52
7.5:1 04:29
8.Apologies 07:10
9.Reflections & Exits 08:28

Band Members:

Daniel Ogola - Bass
Mark Islam - Drums
Stephen Creek - Guitar / Vocals
Tom Allen - Guitar / Vocals

Review:

Envoys second album – Bliss sees the band go down a more progressive hardcore/post-metal route and it’s a decision that pays off instant rewards. As their music becomes more haunting and heartfelt as a result. Envoys still draw inspiration from Post-Rock/Post-Metal legends Pelican and Russian Circles but Bliss sees the band starting to create heavier noises of their own. Especially compared to their debut album.

I’m slightly out of the loop with the Post-Rock/Post-Metal world but I’m always grateful for bands such as Envoys for dragging me back in kicking and screaming. It’s a world I have fond memories thanks to bands such as Pelican, ISIS, Neurosis and Cult Of Luna that became my only choice of listening many years ago.

Bliss opens with Reflections & Exits as the band create a more refined and intense sound to their debut album. Layers of Ambient based Post-Rock sounds merged with the heavier and almost Sludge grooves that hide a cold distant psychedelic vibe. The vocals are handled rather well as they draw you with intelligent lyrics and pounding riffs to match.

The album continues its journey of progressive post rock/metal with elements of hardcore based sounds as Envoys experiment with their sound that should have die-hard Post-Rock/Post-Metal fans crying out for more riffs. Songs such as Strange Attractor, The Hostage, Bliss and the heartfelt Apologies show that Envoys have a fine ear for writing majestic post-rock sounds and the heavier pissed off Sludge/Post-Metal riffs. The vocals sometimes have too much of a raw edge at times but with it's the only odd moment and it shouldn't spoil your overall enjoyment of the album.

Bliss is a superb and quite adventurous album that takes a lot of risks with the set standard Post Rock/Post-Metal sounds that sometimes leaves you wanting more. I haven't listened to Envoys since I reviewed their last album back in 2013 but I won't be making that mistake again as Bliss makes you appreciate bands such as Envoys. If you invest your time with Envoys then I guarantee you may have just found a new Post-Rock/Post-Metal band to worship.

Words by Steve Howe

Links: