DVNE – Cycles of Asphodel EP
DVNE – Cycles of Asphodel EP
Metal Blade Records
Release Date: 20/05/2022
Running Time: 25:26
Review by Rory Bentley
9/10
Fresh off of last year’s wonderful sophomore release “Etemen Ænka”, Scottish Prog Metal firebrands DVNE have decided to reward us with a special live recording of their Bandcamp livestream in the form of this fantastic little EP. Good things often come in small packages (no innuendos please) and it certainly proves to be the case here.
I’ve seen many superb bands struggle to fully realise dense, complex and dynamic material in the live arena. Sometimes that’s down to the logistical nightmare of rearranging grandiose studio compositions into something that aligns with limitations of a core band that don’t have the budget to tour with the album’s guest musicians. Other times it’s down to the venue’s battered old PA system and clueless sound technician. Fortunately the band have opted to hire two highly capable collaborators to immortalise these songs on record the way they intended.
The world class musical chops of Lissa Robertson on vocals and violin and Evelyn May Hedges on keys ensure that the core band is given that extra sonic boost that allows these four sprawling tracks to be delivered in all of their cinematic glory. Lissa’s ethereal melismatic vocals conjure up the exotic and wild atmosphere of the recent “Dune” movie, the original novel of which the band derives its name from and the additional keys and ambience of Evelyn create an immersive listening experience as they glide gracefully over the labyrinthine guitar work and thundering rhythms.
Original album highlight, the frankly mind blowing “Omega Severer” in particular sounds positively colossal as winding arpeggios give way to the king of planet-smashing riffs that Cult of Luna have been crushing my skull with for years. Make sure you mark that reference on Bentley Bingo, there’s a converge reference coming up soon so dabbers at the ready!
I should also say that the core band is absolutely on fire here and in no danger of being overshadowed by their guests of honour. The vocals are delivered with both the primal bellow and emotional expression required and the musicianship and tightness of the band over these dynamic compositions bares all the hallmarks of a unit that has been forged in the fires of relentless gigging. Dynamic, head-spinning songs like “Asphodel” are unbelievably difficult to pull off in a live setting, particularly the delicate Post-Rock sections, but if anything these live versions surpass their studio counterparts.
I was already giddy with excitement for the band’s next full length, but after hearing this exquisite little set the wait feels unbearable. Do yourself a favour and spend 26 minutes in the company of one of the UK’s best new bands. In fact I’ve posted the whole show in the link below for all my Fremen Fam! (Dune reference guys, nerds are cool now, deal with it.)
‘Cycles Of Asphodel’ Live Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. Weighing of the Heart (Live)
02. Omega Severer (Live)
03. Asphodel (Live)
04. Satuya (Live)
LINE-UP:
Victor Vicart: guitar, vocals, keys
Dudley Tait: drums
Daniel Barter: guitar, vocals
Allan Paterson: bass
Lissa Robertson: violin, vocals
Evelyn May Hedges: keys
LINKS:
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