The Pitch: Progressive death metal unites with foreboding post-metal for the debut album from Chilean group Target via Grand Sounds Productions. FFO: Omega Diatribe, Ulcerate, Dark Helm
What I Like: Another mysterious group seemingly comes from nowhere to blow my mindballs. Deep Water Flames is both impressive in scope and pretty darn unique in its approach; so much so that none of the above bands alone truly capture the same essence as Target. The alternation between djenty, technical riffs with bleak, expansive post-metal set my head spinning with wonderful confusion from beginning to end. Opening track "Inverted Gloaming" seems to reflect on everything from Car Bomb to Dodecahedron. Those incredible opening drums...such power and darkness, but also grace and subtlety. One moment I'm elated by the intensity and proficiency of the technical performances, the next I'm swimming in deep melancholy right down to the moody piano closer, "Emerge." And "Random Waves," clocking in at nearly 10 minutes, brings with it more than a few allusions to Gojira with its syncopated riffs, slides, and utilization of more melodic elements. Not to mention that despite its length, it's a banger through and through.
Critiques: Nothing in terms of songwriting, but I am going to advocate for changing the band name. I'm sorry, but I can't say it without thinking about saving 5% with my Red Card.
The Verdict: A stunning display for a band really just hitting the ground for the first time. I am in awe of this album on all fronts from sheer enjoyability to musicianship. I even give them extra points for innovation in that their sound really does stand out from the crowd. Buy Deep Water Flames. You won't regret it.
Flight's Fav's: Inverted Gloaming, Oceangrave, Surge Drift Motion
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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