dark_matter - _adrift_

Hailing from Limerick, Ireland dark_matter was formed from the ashes of a thrash band and a gothic outfit to find footing here to create an instrumental collective that produces atmospheric ‘spacey’ metal music. The EP called _adrift_ in my hands is a compilation of both older and new material to showcase the band’s style.

Upon hearing the first track I’m quite impressed with the definite proggy/spacey feel in “neptune”, but it’s the second track “the_persistence_of_memory” that grabs me. The definitive chugging and galloping guitar riffs coupled with a pretty tolerable synthesizer sound (and we all know how I love keyboards) that sets out to create an ambient feel of otherworldly jaunting and it does just that. When “compression_syndrome” sort of slides in I, being a product of the 80’s a proud new wave/synth pop fan, hear a true 80’s sound here that doesn’t sound dated; it simply feels like a heavy metal Asia ala Alpha or the self-titled album. Granted, that’s a stretch to some, but I hear elements here and there, and considering where the band members of Asia originated from I’d say the compliment was warranted. The bass work on the track is particularly great, very prog-influenced and somewhat subtle in its obvious presence. As a whole, the recording is a sensible look at what the band offers, which is music for the cerebral mind as well as the basic fan of trippy metal void of rough edges and caustic design. Where synthesizers usually bug the heck out of me, for this type of music keys are not just integral, they’re flush with charm and necessity. The guitars are fine, nothing fancy or overhyped; they just perform their assigned duties with some mild flair, but more heavy on the reusable standard riffs that we all know and love and seemingly never get boring…when used in absolute moderation, as is the case here.   

What makes these tracks interesting is, unlike most atmospheric black metal or some shoegaze/post-rock bands, the music changes pace and never settles into one pattern that bores me to the point of wanting to take a full bottle of aspirin. While I can certainly hear a concrete foundation here for more intense play with song structure, this EP stands as a (hopeful) message of even better things to come. The roots and master plans are here, ready and able to be implemented, and it’s now the band’s place to take this little four-song foray and build on it accordingly. The music is very enjoyable and filled with lush tones and talented vision, so I’m hoping that these guys take the ball and run with it.                 

Release Date: 2010
Label: Band Self Released

TRACK LISTING

1.  neptune
2.  the_persistence_of_memory
3.  compression_syndrome
4.  monolith

Total playing time:  18:16

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*Comments:

Reviewer: Chris

March 2, 2011