Release Date: June 19th 2026. Record Label: Ripple Music. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl
Gestalt - Tracklisting
1. Moth Murmuration
2. Eternal Season
3. Hyborian Age
4. Respite
5. In Anima
6. Debaser
Members
André Tinibel - bass guitar
Nils Stecker - guitar
Marcel "Uwe" Kloß - drms, vocals
Ryan Garney – vocals on ‘In Anima'
Review
This trio from Gelsenkirchen, Germany has moved in my periphery for a few years but for some reason I never paid close attention...until now, that is. They have just released their second full-length, 'Gestalt', the first for Ripple Music and they completely blew my mind! What these guys bring to the table is ethereal, headtripping and mind bending music. Unrestrained with no boundaries, Plaindrifter simply let the music flow. The end result is them playing on a whole different level. Excellent, indeed.
'Moth Murmuration' is dreamy like what I imagine floating in a super nova is like. It does erupt once the singing begins and when the brilliant guitar solo takes off the band mix that dreamlike state with crushing parts like no one else. Then, about halfway through they drop back to gliding through outer space. 'Eternal Season' retains the feel of its predecessor but is slightly more heavy. It brings to mind a blend of Elder and Howling Giant and it builds up gradually, something Plaindrifter are experts at. 'Hyborian Age' is mid-tempo burrowing into the mind letting you free. Kind of repetitive in the best possible way which enhances the band's transcendental traits.
'Respite' is a short, soft and beautiful instrumental segue which offers a breather in between Plaindrifter's mind bending brilliance. 'In Anima' sees the band crush at first. Drops back once Ryan Garney from High Desert Queen joins in. The floodgates open again after the verse allowing for a great solo. About halfway through the bass guitar takes over and leads us through a trippy segment. Eventually everything erupts taking the song to a brilliant ending. 'Debaser' is the longest and is the perfect closer to Plaindrifter's sophomore album. After a heavier mid-tempo beginning the band switch path with some off-the-wall spaced out playing. Gradually builds up while offering some disjointed guitar playing before the singing enters the fold and the space floating Plaindrifter are so great at conjuring takes over again.
Hoping not repeat myself but I do love it when a band appears basically out of nowhere and completely floors me. And that's exactly what Plaindrifter has done, and then some. 'Gestalt' is one of those recordings I keep on constant repeat for different reasons. One because it is so damned good; another high quality is the calming effect the album has on me. And that's very rare these days. Put it on, get the headphones in place and close your eyes. You won't regret it, in fact your life will be better, trust me.
Words by Håkan Nyman
Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.
Gestalt is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ripple Music
Links
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