AxamentA – Spires
AxamentA – Spires
Self Released
Release Date: 19/07/2024
Running Time: 23:02
Review by David Barreto
10/10
Father Harold O’Callahan is consumed by guilt over the loss of his younger brother when both were children. Benjamin, the youngest, suffered epileptic seizures which, as it was known in the 19th century, was the Devil’s work. One of his epileptic episodes consisted in bleeding through the eyes. The parents were then totally convinced this was an evil possession and the child was kicked out of the house with still bleeding eyes and Harold followed him only to see him fall into the frozen lake after the ice cracked and facing a hard choice: save him or let him drown so he don’t have to suffer with his evil possession.
This is the backstory of the new EP from AxamentA called “Spires”. It is a twenty three minutes long song divided in eight acts where our protagonist Father Harold has to fight with his own guilt of letting his brother die drowning in a frozen lake. Well deserved guilt if you ask me!
AxamentA was formed in 2004 and performed at the Graspop Metal Meeting festival in 2005 and 2006 when they also released their first full album “Ever-Arch-I-Tech-Ture” but despite their great success for a debuting band, in 2008 they went into hibernation due to health issues but in 2022 started working on their comeback, focusing especially in creating a full storytelling landscape to lead you through their music.
Stylistically speaking we are in the same style as bands like Leprous or Haken, modern progressive rock/metal acts that uses strong orchestration, different vocal registers and traditional and modern instruments to create a deep immersive atmosphere that transports you through a conceptual release full of details, tempo changes, dissonant guitar lines, technical prowess, strings, winds, cinematic storytelling and a very very very blue feeling. All in only twenty three minutes. Amazing.
The production is really great. Everything sounds clear, the space work is amazing, the textures of the different instruments, the cinematic sounds to create a deeper and bigger sound and atmosphere. The vocals are amazing with lots of details: whispering, choirs, harmonised lines, guttural screaming… a bit of every register possible as it goes from absolutely melodic to chaotic and aggressive.
It is very difficult to use words to describe such a musical piece but I can assure you that you will find quality everywhere. Just go and listen to it, you will not be disappointed.
The good: Everything from when you press start until it finishes. And even before because the backstory that introduces you to the EP is great. I am not a believer myself but oh, I do love when biblical stuff is used for storytelling since it is a crazy story by itself…
The bad: Eh… it is too short? I mean, I cannot find anything to complain about so I guess it could last longer!
The ugly: Coming back with an EP from a long hiatus maybe it is a good move, in that you don’t spend a lot of resources and maybe get zero back because you are maybe not sure of how the musical industry is working after fourteen years. I don’t know the reason for this, but I believe that a full album with this quality would have been a much better comeback like a proper punch in the face instead of a soft slap. Yes, simply it is so good I want more. Not a real complaint either.
So please, check them out. This is really amazing and this is definitely audible fine art.
Hasta la vista, Ever-Metallers!
‘Spires’ Official Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-40bLa0sTwM
TRACKLISTING:
01. Spires
– Act 1: Narthex (instrumental)
– Act 2: Pulpit
– Act 3: Nave (instrumental)
– Act 4: Crypt
– Act 5: Sacristy
– Act 6: Gallery
– Act 7: Spires
LINE-UP:
Lead guitar, vocals, orchestra – Ian van Gemeren
Vocals – Peter Meynckens
Drums – Tom van Oosterwyck
Bass – Jeroen Vingerhoed
Rhythm guitar – Sven Deckers
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of David Barreto and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
