Release
date: November
30th
2019.
Label: Self
Released.
Format: DD
Ataraxy
– Tracklisting
The
Grauballe Man
Light
Of The Mire
Ataraxy
Black
Smoke
Members
Elliott
Mariess (bass)
Christian
Mariess (drums)
Ave
Thompson (guitar
Review
Ataraxy
is the new album from Guernsey Psychedelic Post-Rock/Stoner Rock band
BRUNT and it’s their first new record in 3 years. The band have
spent that time wisely creating a more cinematic style of music with
the music being more driven by Post-Rock sounds than ever before.
This makes Ataraxy a more interesting prospect with the different
styles of music on offer.
BRUNT
still manage to create LOUD and HEAVY Stoner Rock/Metal grooves
throughout the album and it’s quite creative in places and the
album becomes a more rewarding experience every time you listen to
it. Though it will take a few listens to fully understand it all. The
album is purely instrumental but that doesn’t stop BRUNT telling an
intriguing story that packed with depth and emotion from start to
finish.
Opening
song – The Grauballe Man – feels influenced by ISIS/Russian
Circles style of Post-Rock that sets up the scene beautifully well
and the ambient sounds further draws you into BRUNT’s dark world.
The song is quite gloomy and claustrophobic in places but it fully
comes alive when the Stoner Rock or Post-Stoner vibes appear and
things become HEAVY and VOLATILE rather quickly. Though it’s the
opening Post-Rock moments that impressed me the most.
Second
song – Light Of The Mire – is another 9 minute epic where BRUNT
deliver another superb piece of Progressive Post-Stoner grooves with
elements of Sludge Rock that begin to show a more creative side to
the band that we haven’t heard before. The song is quite complex in
places but BRUNT deserve credit for trying something different for
the sound they’re initially made their name with. This album feels
like BRUNT are starting to come of age and wanting to make a real
name for themselves and the opening two songs shows that the band
have accomplished that mission.
Third
song – Ataraxy – is the shortest song on the album but perhaps
the most interesting. As the band have less time to play with here
but still manage to weave a stunning blend of Psych Rock. Stoner Rock
and Space Rock that manages to feel fresh and original.
The
final song – Black Smoke – sees BRUNT return with another epic 9
minute song that follows the same setup as the opening two songs but
allowing BRUNT to try different things as well. This is my favourite
song on the album as it feels more emotional and more focused as
well. The Progressive parts hold everything together for BRUNT to
play some of the heaviest grooves on the entire album.
Ataraxy
is
a superbly produced album and
one that shows why this is BRUNT’s best album to date. This is
perhaps one of the best Instrumental Rock albums you’ll hear this
year. No question...
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to BRUNT for the promo. Ataraxy will be available to buy from November 30th 2019.
Links:
