The term “drone metal” typically invokes slow-moving and dense power chords accompanied by little or no rhythm lines. Here, Apparitions takes a left turn in this loose genre by combining the requisite suffocating riffs and sculpted feedback with modular synths and very active, up-tempo drumming.
Consisting of Andrew Dugas on guitars, Igor Imbu on modular synths, and Grant Martin on drums, the band rips through six doom-laden tracks of various lengths. While the synths occasionally get lost in the mix (you’ll need to keep the volume up to fully appreciate them), the result is atmospheric instrumental metal that gives a nod to Black Sabbath, Sunn O))), and many others in between.
Recorded live in the studio with minimal takes, Volcanic Reality is much more than just plodding or sludgy stoner rock. The album grinds with gratuitous overdrive, making Dugas’ guitar sound like two or three of that instrument. Likewise, Martin’s percussion is often faster than the pace of the other instruments, adding a liveness to the mix. In addition to that, Apparation has a subtle experimental edge in that they push envelopes with free improv and classical influences here and there.
At 40 minutes in length, the Volcanic Reality can be an exhausting, but exhilarating and very worthwhile listen. The album will be out on March 28 from Deathbomb Arc.
