Originally posted 2008 @ Blistering.com
Irish newcomers Altar of Plagues bring
a very compelling and thought provoking platter to the table. A mix
of post hardcore dreamscapes, bile infected sludge and cold black
metal. Like Wolves In The Throne Room; a trance like experience hazed
out whilst finding new directions whilst clinging loosely to the
bones of by-the-numbers black metal.
Despite the appetising appeal of Altar
Of Plagues on paper, Sol is trying to achieve great scope, but
sometimes doesn't reach the apex over the distance covered
(geometry finally has a use…in metal!?). The problem is too much
variety.
Inevitably, the peripheral passages
surrounding the black melee are mixed in style and quality, for
example the final track ‘With Fire In Our Veins We Drown In The
Light’ captures the loneliness and trauma of Thorr’s Hammer or
Burning Witch, but also starts off sounding like the Deftones on
auto-pilot.
The variety of vocal delivery is good
and each style of larynx release slots in well with the music at each
given point. We mustn't delude ourselves that this variety in
musical styles is a bad thing, on the contrary. Altar of Plagues have
demonstrated an ability to keep a strong vibe consistent throughout
their EP, a lurking evil and imminent malevolence.
Certainly an individual amongst an ever
increasing crowd of mediocrity, Altar of Plagues will definitely be
filed under high potential. The material on Sol would
effortlessly translate to a live setting and would make for a
transfixing viewing. An EP to prove strong capability and unsullied
ideas, now what we want from this band is a mind-boggling full
length, please.
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