Hiroe – Wield
Hiroe – Wield
Pelagic Records
20/06/2025
Review by Oli Gonzalez
9.5/10
A brand new entity to me today in Hiroe, and judging by their rather low social media presence (less than 1000 Facebook ‘likes’ as I type this) they will be rather new to the scene as a whole. Though they have one EP already to their name: 2022’s effort “Wrought”. This seemed to be enough to get the attention of Pelagic Records, a label who do not sign duds, let’s put it this way, so that was an instant seal of approval and enough convincing for me to dive straight into Hiroe’s latest release, “Wield”.
The album opens with the suitably named ‘The Calm’. There’s a loungey, ambient, almost calming quality to the inviting lead melodic arpeggio which is played over the densely layered sonic soundscape. Densely layered and deceptively heavy. Heavy enough to ensure that you must proceed with caution.
Now, I’ve never taken drugs. Never have and never will. But the opening few minutes of ‘Tides’ was about as close as I’ll ever get, such was that rush of pure ecstasy! Honestly, it’s like they know what buttons to press to make Oli lose his marbles! That crushing trio of guitars combine in one glorious atmospheric assault on the ear drums. No overly complex lead arrangements here, just simple yet devastatingly effective riffs! As for the guitar tones; the band have clearly done their homework and know how to get the best out of their instruments and gear. How loud can my headset go I wonder?
I’m actually listening to this on release day (I know, my apologies to the band for leaving this so late) but this comes with an advantage. I’ve literally just sent the link to a few friends who I’m sure would love this as much as I already have!
Now the next song ‘Collider’…nope, sorry, I need at least a few more listens to ‘Tides’! This has had an impact on me clearly! But I can indulge later…
There seems to be a theme with Hiroe emerging, which started to become apparent during ‘Collider’ and that is the range of sonic platforms and textures they can create with the 3 guitars and bass combination. While there’s a rather hypnotic lead guitar riff acting as the melodic focal point, there’s some a rather gnarly wall of sound lurking beneath, much in the style of Bongripper or other Doom Metal acts. There’s nothing dirty or retrograde here though; this sounds squeaky clean and suitably polished like the gem that it is! Though later in the song, this heavier undertone seems to slowly disappear and instead we have a dual melodic guitar offering to the sense, with both offering very different yet equally aesthetic qualities. My head and senses were shifting from side to side like a spectator at a tennis match trying to keep up with the action and focus on either one of them here. This speaks to the utterly complex arrangement and sophisticated compositional pattern in this song, and the album as a whole.
Now, ‘Dancing At The End Of The World’ seems to experiment with additional sophisticated compositional patterns but with melody being the key to it all. Much in the style of God Is An Astronaut or Caspian. If you like these two bands and huge cathartic releases, then you’ll love this track! Just listen to the final few minutes if you don’t believe me! I won’t lie, my head was involuntarily nodding back and forth in approval to ‘The Crush’. I’m getting a Mastodon vibe, such is the crunching nature of the riffs deployed here, so fans who like their riffs a bit more proggy and snappy will be satiated here!
Then, it all has to come to an end with ‘I’ve Been Waiting For You All My Life’. The opening feels a little more austere, intimidating, perhaps to build tension and intrigue. They decide to be merciful and allow you to simply relax and enjoy what is a much more mellow shoegazey number. All 8 minutes and 56 seconds of it are just wonderful though. I hear the clever use of keys and pianos add an extra dimension to what is already suitably diverse and expansive. I’m honestly enamoured with this band and feel rather smug about discovering this gem! Though I fear that the idea of 9 minute instrumentals will deter casual listeners, will limit airtime possibilities, and will ultimately confine the band to being a ‘specialist’ listen. Though Hiroe should stick to what they have already got as it’s truly something special. I’m hoping that their rather modest social media count grows. Also, I’ll be keeping my eye on Pelagic Festival and other tour packages they may be planning!
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Calm
02. Tides
03. Collider
04. Dancing at the End of the World
05. The Crush
06. I’ve Been Waiting For You All My Life
LINKS:
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