Mind Reader - Palace of Memory (2019)
It's been a while since we've heard
from the MIND READER project (last time was back in 2014, on theirsplit with Ksyatriya), and while the duo has dropped the (((O)))
stylization from their name, they've only grown more adventurous with
their track titles. But, as this is the band's first solo album, and
it's been cooking for so long, why not pull out those stops?
Opening with the ~10-minute “Autonoetic
Consciousness - Lost in the Cave of Memories - [ Sub Level ]”, MR
show changes from their more drone-inclined past work, leading with
thick waves of bass and a few trickles of percussion before a hooky
riff rises into action, bringing the drum activity on up with it. As
the melody moves forward, it turns to a slower, more somber mood,
while keeping the bones of the original riff recognizable. From
there, it's a series of twists between the two mood extremes, finding
ways to keep the exploration fresh and lively while maintaining
heaviness, and it flows right into the next portion, “Confronting
the <I>mposter - Transmutation SimBIOSys (Simulated Basic Input
Output Systems)”. Here, things take a turn towards more
traditional doom, with elephantine chords progressions and shambling
beat spacing, somehow making the weighty riffs practically groove.
“Transmissions of Subjugation - The
Horn of Ammon <| The Beacon of Ahamkara |> { Battle for the
Horn of Ammon } Part-1” takes us into the second half, riding right
off of the reverb trailing from the previous track. While it holds
on to the bass emphasis, the drums slide up to a more prominent
position in the song-writing, tapping into some storming energy
around the midway point. That energy gets brought to a head in the
final section, “The Illusion of the Mind - Quantum Mechanical
Observer - { Battle for the Horn of Ammon } Part-2”, which grinds
harder and angrier than any of the previous segments, and crashes its
way into a satisfying crescendo before turning to a protracted finale
of feedback, with a quick capper of rainfall and slow strings to
guide listeners out of the experience.
For a first album (and one five years
in the making), it's quite a fun trip, with plenty of thought evident
in the paths the songs travel. As it's essentially one long track,
you'll want to set aside some time that you're sure won't be
interrupted when listening to this, as it does a good job of pulling
you into the momentum and flow. Those looking for solid and
ambitious doom metal, check in here.
~ Gabriel
For Fans Of; Acid Rooster,
Bell Witch, Flight of the Seraphim, Nonsun, White Darkness
~
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