Meridian Sun – The Curse
Meridian Sun – The Curse
Drowning Sea God Records
Release Date: 03/11/2023
Running Time: 45:06
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8/10
Meridian Sun. New kids on the block it seems, judging by their social media profile at the time of writing. They seem to be an unknown entity in the music world as a whole. However, one that I think we should be keeping an eye on, especially as they’re on the eye of the release of their full-length debut album ‘The Curse’. Engineered and mixed by Jamie Field (Tall Ships, Tubelord), and mastered by Magnus Lindberg (Cult of Luna), this hints at some fantastic contacts within the industry and some great potential.
My favourite track of the album? Well, there’s only three to choose from, though the title track comes in at a whopping 21 minutes and 45 seconds!
Describing themselves as Doom Metal, I was expecting wall-shaking tones, Sludgy minimalist riffs, and other staples of the genre. Whilst this isn’t quite what I got, what I listened to was still very pleasant and enjoyable to listen to nonetheless! The pace is much faster than most within the genre (much in the same way Candlemass are for many of their biggest hits). In the album, we see some deceptively complex compositional patterns. Especially when the guitars interweave effortlessly between each other beautifully throughout. Again, much less minimalistic than you’d typically hear from bands in the genre. There’s also a rather aesthetically pleasing melodic undertone throughout the album.
What ultimately gives The Curse that Doom Metal feel lies within the production. Deliberately retrograde, slightly under-polished, this gives a much more raw and honest feel to the overall sound. No over-engineered nonsense and false promises. Just good old doomy vibes played in a more technical and melodic style. Though we see some experimental methods and more calm ambient passes through the album. I refer to the album as a whole and haven’t really mentioned any particular song in great detail. That’s because there’s so many movements within each song, they all seemingly flow into each so effortlessly, creating the illusion of a gigantic song. One that really ought to be enjoyed and consumed in its entirety.
Vocally, I particularly enjoyed the calmer cleans and somewhat soothing melodic qualities. Much in the same way genre greats Pallbearer and Khemmis conduct themselves; heavy ass music with calmer vocals over the top. This makes for an enjoyable contrast and nice juxtaposition. I find it interesting how we have 3 vocalists in Meridian Sun. It’s unclear who the lead vocalist is and there’s a variety of clean and heavier vocal styles. All adding to the mystery and intrigue.
To address the elephant in the room. With the 3 songs averaging at around 15 minutes each this may sadly give the band fewer opportunities on radio play and streaming lists. However, Meridian Sun are here to play by their own rules and to create Doom Metal in their own style. Which I’m glad of! “The Curse” is a solid debut effort and is a welcome injection of freshness into the genre. For doom metal fans who are looking for something novel to get their teeth stuck into, then “The Curse” should be right up your street.
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Curse
02. Lob
03. Wicked Old Water
LINE-UP:
Chris Mills – Bass, Vocals
Rich McEvoy – Guitars, Vocals
Martin Maddocks – Guitars, Vocals
Chaz Tomlinson – Drums
LINKS:
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