Cariosus – Will, Until Beauty
Cariosus – Will, Until Beauty
Self Released
Release Date: 12/01/24
Review by Laura Barnes
8/10
Getting to review a band’s first album is always exciting, especially when you get sent the album before its release date. The idea that I am one of the first people outside of the recording and marketing process to hear it appeals greatly to my egotism. Plus, if the band end up getting big, you have the right to say the sacred prayer of the hipster: “I liked them before they were cool”. Will I end up saying this about Cariosus? Let’s find out!
“Will, Until Beauty” definitely lies on the heavier side of the Melodic Death Metal spectrum, and strong Deathcore influences can be heard throughout, particularly on tracks like ‘Saturn Returns’. Bouncing and bubbling with fury, it is incredibly impressive just how thick and layered Cariosus’ sound is, especially when you consider that the band is composed of only two members. It is clear that the pair are talented musicians, able to link complex musical elements together with ease. For seasoned Deathcore fans, ‘Saturn Returns’ may trigger a bout of nostalgia within you, as it did for me. Still, I didn’t love it quite as much as I loved ‘Apollo’s Lament’, an ice cold track with a delicious dollop of Black Metal style vocals and a melody so infectious you’ll be tempted to self-isolate. If you can’t already tell, this is absolutely one of my favourite tracks on the album, along with ‘All Too Human’. It is clear that special attention has been paid to the songwriting on ‘All Too Human’. There is something almost Katatonia-like in the way the guitars work to build up tension, dripping with melancholy before gradually picking up speed. I would say that this song has slightly more ‘push and pull’ than some of the others, the variation in tempo helping massively with this. On a personal level I’m a sucker for melodies, so in my opinion Cariosus shine the brightest when they place compelling riffs, melodies and solos at the centre of their songwriting, meaning that the chuggier parts of the album flew under my raydar a little bit. That said, album closer ‘Heaven’s Lament’ acts as a culmination of the different sounds Cariosus have tried on throughout “Will, Until Beauty”, and it is completely brilliant – the bass lends the track a stomping groove, and the palm muted melodies provide an epic shroud of mystery. By the time vocalist Alex Pfister roars “BURN IT DOWN!” you’ll already be pouring the gasoline.
“Will, Until Beauty” is an impressive debut album, and Cariousus have revealed themselves as ambitious musicians who are not afraid to experiment outside their comfort zone. In future releases, I’d love to see these experimentations go further (particularly the Black Metal influences) and more songs in the vein of ‘All Too Human’. Until then, however, Cariosus deserve some ice cold beers and a steady inlux of tour dates for this release. Bravo boys!
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Narrow Path
02. Saturn Returns
03. Apollo’s Lament
04. How The Flesh Knows
05. What Must Be Done
06. All Too Human
07. Sword of Damocles
08. Heaven’s Portent
LINE-UP:
Alex Pfister – Vocals, Bass
Kevin Kryszak – Guitar
LINKS:
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