Minsk - With Echoes in the Movement of Stone

May 28, 2009

Reviewer: Peter

Prior to reviewing the new Minsk album, I had no idea what to expect.  In fact, I didn’t even know about this band or their sound.  So, going into the band’s latest album With Echoes in the Movement of Stone, I had to be sure that I was going into it with an open mind.  After the album was finished, it becomes clear that Minsk is underrated and is best enjoyed under the right circumstances.

I am sure that by looking at the band’s name, some people think the band from the Chicago area took their name from the capital city of Belarus of the same name.  That assessment is correct, as is the fact that Minsk the band is one of the more difficult riddles to solve from a music standpoint.  Based on what is on the album, their influences range from the doom to psychedelic subgenres.  Their music is truly hard to pin down, as while they go at a deliberate pace, it also comes out as a wall of sound that threatens to overtake the listener’s senses.  The band shows a musical proficiency that only bands like Mastodon can show on a regular basis and do so in a manner that hypnotizes the listener with its droning, yet melodic riffs.  Vocals are just a role player in the band’s compositions, as the true star of the album is the music itself.  At times, the music is sludge doom, as “Almitra’s Premonition” demonstrates, while at other points, it is more psychedelic 70’s rock, as heard on “Three Moons” and “The Shore of Transcendence.”  All of the parts of the music are rather easy to discern, but it is best to not think too much about it or you may find yourself drifting in and out of consciousness.  As for weaknesses, vocals aren’t all that memorable, but that’s not too much of a concern here.  While the album is enjoyable at a normal level, it takes the right state of mind to truly enjoy it.  Other than that, there is a lot to take in on With Echoes in the Movement of Stone.

Overall, Minsk has created With Echoes in the Movement of Stone, an album that will take seconds to get into, but much longer to truly figure out all the nuances they put forth.  If the wall of sound effect is your thing, then Minsk has the album for you.  Fans of Mastodon and Velnias should look into With Echoes in the Movement of Stone.  Just remember to let the album wash over you.  If not, look into mind-altering drugs, not that I would recommend it to anyone for any reason.

Release Date: May 26th, 2009
Label: Relapse Records

TRACK LISTING

1. Three Moons
2. The Shore of Transcendence
3. Almitra’s Premonition
4. Means to an End
5. Crescent Mirror
6. Pisgah
7. Consumed by Horizons of Fire
8. Requiem-From Substance to
    Silence

Total playing time:  63:03

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