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:
