Review: Locrian – Drenched Lands (2009)
Metal fans are often maligned as being type cast idiots who only seek out harder, faster music. However any true metal fan knows that metal, and all its multi-facets, often fill the role of bridge leading its listeners to newfound lands of music that really have little to do with metal in terms of guitar driven aggression. These musical identities, while not metal, sharethe same dark atmosphere that many bands in metal pursue. One such genre of music is dark ambient and atmospheric. The intent of ambient music is to create a soundscape of subtle sounds and rhythms that lead the listener into their own mind. In a sense, ambient music is the ultimate psychedelic musical experience, because its entirely malleable and doesn’t rely on traditional rock instruments for affect (though that’s not to say they aren’t present). Locrian is one such ambient act that isn’t metal, but is entirely appropriate for those in the metal world with an open mind.
Drenched Lands, Locrian’s 2009 effort, is most definitely ambient. Every track is what I’d describe as pulsating, with a dark glow and emptiness, which in a sense almost turns it into a soundtrack for a sci-fi horror movie. Because of the lack of variation though, I find it difficult to listen to this album more than once. I am not the type of person that likes to reach that meditative-like place that some music fans strive for. While I enjoy all the intricate sounds on each track, Drenched Lands just isn’t my cup of tea in terms of “enjoying” what I hear. However, for those looking for a deep musical experience, particularly those who are fond of black metal, I’d suggest picking up Locrian’s Drenched Lands, as the aesthetic is pretty much one in the same. Drenched Lands is awash in otherworldly concepts that just aren’t found in rock music, and I can appreciate what it has to offer for sure.
GOOD
Top Tracks: Epicedium
Similar Artists: Arcana, Karl Sanders, Elvira Madigan
1. Obsolete Elegy in Effluvia and Dross
2. Ghost Repeater
3. Barren Temple Obscured by Contami
4. Epicedium
5. Obsolete Elegy in Cast Concrete
6. Greyfield Shrines
Self Released
http://www.myspace.com/thelocrian
