Jakob - Solace

Genre : Instrumental post-rock / Drone
Release : September 11th 2006.

Jakob holds a special place when it comes to so-called "ethereal soundscapes". They're for sure my favorite post-rock outlet at the moment. Solace is their last release, even though it's been out long ago, in 2006. There's a new album to come in 2014, which title hasn't been revealed yet. Needless to say I'm eager for it, but at the moment, I keep on playing this one, and that's definitely not a bad thing.

Words are hard to find to describe such an album, and post-rock is even more difficult to put into words than other genres. However, what still amazes me in Jakob's playing style are the sounds Jeff is able to create with his guitar and of course, his impressive pedalboard. Ambient sounds thus created are different from track to track but most of the time, they sound closer to synths than actual guitars, while keeping the warmness of strings. Definitely not something you can express with words, check out 'Saint' in the playlist above if you want a taste of this. Apart from those stunning sounds, Jakob uses more drone-esque guitars, as heard on 'Oran Mor', and those more aggressive parts are cleverly placed to break any excess of monotony. Bass lines are powerful and perfectly balanced in the mix. Again, you can check out 'Pneumonic' to hear its loudness/goodness. Drums are mostly moving along with the strings but with technicity and intensity. Solace is a great album as a whole too : the balance between chillout parts and punchier ones is well found and let those intense moments express all their potential.

Jakob's most recent output is surely something hard to describe with words. Instrumental albums are obviously something which doesn't need any words to express their contents, and all I can say as a conclusion is to listen carefully to this masterpiece. It's not something you will just play as a background, it's not music meant to be only "heard" even if its atmospheric mood makes it fine for that role. This album deserves a real listen. Did I say one real listen? I meant many.

Personal highlights : Everything all of the time, Saint.

Links : Facebook, Bandcamp, Webshop.

Other reviews from Jakob:
   - Cale:Drew
   - Subsets of sets

From oceans to autumn - Return [EP]

Genre : Instrumental post-metal

I've been talking about From oceans to autumn more than once, and I still think they're definitely overlooked. They've been putting out some very good releases recently, and their last EP, Return, is once again a fair proof of their skills. They still follow the same scheme, except that there are no vocal samples this time. Yet, there are once again big, deep ambient soundscapes, and still this subtle mix of guitars, drums and bass, this latter being really audible compared to most post-rock tracks, and in that case, it's a good thing. Return is somehow more coherent than many instrumental releases, since it keeps things in the same atmosphere. It mainly consists in two songs, the first one is more ambient, the second a bit heavier, yet both stay in the same spirit, and the ambient one is definitely intense, with its wavering guitars. A real highlight! Trust me, give that one a shot, you'll be impressed by how it successfully merges everything that make a good instrumental ambient song : sweet layers, deep soundscapes, and ethereal feelings.

Check out Ascending and Descending, the main pieces of the EP. And follow From oceans to autumn on Facebook.

Other reviews from From oceans to autumn :

   - Equanimity

   - The flood / The fall

From oceans to autumn - The flood / The fall [EP]

Genre : Instrumental post-metal

Still very underground, From oceans to autumn is nonetheless one of the most interesting acts in the instrumental post-metal genre. This EP features two long tracks, with a strong ambient touch, mainly thanks to background guitars delivering kind of an hypnotizing sound. Not huge riffs or power chords here, things are more kept a soft way. What's quite unusual, is how bass is mostly set in the foreground, making both the songs very consistent and deep, to say the truth. Drumming lines move from ambient to fast. As a result, these tracks are mostly repetitive, but in a good way, catchy and relaxing. Worth a listen, for sure!

You can check out both the songs on the EP, The flood and The fall. And follow From oceans to autumn on Facebook. The flood / The fall is available as a free download on bandcamp.

Other reviews from From oceans to autumn:

   - Equanimity
   - Return

Year of no light - Nord

Genre : Post-metal / Sludge

Year of no light's debut album was re-released not long ago, with a second disc including many works from their earlier demos or splits. As such, it is time to dig it again. Quite a tricky release if you ask me, because of many different atmospheres, unusual song structures and different approachs to the same genre, as this album actually merges instrumental post-metal, sludge, doom metal and drone. Vocals are not proeminent here, actually they are really in the background, maybe too much sometimes, as they're able to deliver a real aggressive feeling which we'd surely appreciate more if a bit louder. Technically and musically speaking, Nord is heavily guitar-oriented, as there are very few keyboards there, and as most of the ambient sounds are actually made through slow guitar droning. But those successfully setup a really gloomy atmosphere here. For that, Year of no light are undoubtedly masters in the genre, as one can really feel despair and darkness anytime in these songs. Even in the instrumental ones, which represent a good half of the release. Something to check out if you enjoyed despaired melancholy and soundscapes devoid of light.

Check out a couple songs, like the awesome Par économie pendant la crise on éteint la lumière au bout du tunnel and an instrumental, droning one, Qu'importe qu'ils me haïssent, pourvu qu'ils me craignent. And follow Year of no light on Facebook.

Other reviews from Year of no light:
   - Ausserwelt

Dirge - Elysian magnetic fields

Genre : Post-metal / Sludge

Crushing, heavy, deep and dark. That's sludge. Vocals are very sludge, too. However, those succeed into not being annoying, enough in the background, with a strong reverb, and coming as short verses with long instrumental parts between. Moreover, some melancholic clean vocals add a serious versatility to this release, breaking its monotony, successfully making it ethereal, hypnotic, yet catchy. Elysian magnetic fields still sets a strong gloomy atmosphere, because it's quite downtempo, it's loud, sometimes despaired. But it keeps quite a good melodic part, thanks to interesting riffs and well-done ambient synths, making the whole release a very nice record, actually one of the best in the genre.

Cocoon is a great song to start with, with a crushing, epic ending. Check also opener Morphée rouge. And follow Dirge on Facebook.

Keretta - Vilayer

Genre : Instrumental post-metal

"Oh no, instrumental post-metal again!". Yeah, but no, believe me, Kerretta found their own identity. I wouldn't even be able to say how they can play post-metal with the regular elements without sounding just like the others. Maybe because they include some experimental touch, some unusual structures and riffs. Maybe because of their blasting melodies, or their loud bass lines. Sure, it's still instrumental post-metal. But such a catchy one, I mean... This is the kind that gives you a real punch, makes you want to headbang. Moving.

Maven fade and The square outside are good songs to feel that. And follow Kerretta on Facebook.

Jakob - Subsets of sets

Genre : Instrumental post-metal / Drone

Jakob really found their own genre since their beginnings. Their first album, Subsets of sets, already features these kind of cold instrumental melodies, soft and gentle most of the time, with heavily distorted parts surfacing at some point, including drones and huge walls of sound. This recipe, however, does not fail a single second in that release, which is subtle and violent at the same time, and can't lead to any boring moment, since those heavy breakdowns completly change the feel often enough. And yet, atmosphere is kept consistent and logical. Maybe we would just have enjoyed some more droning parts, but if you're looking for a calmer, yet mature and somehow dark sound, more post-rock oriented, this one should definitely please you.

Check out Ageena with its soft and distorted sides, and Ryan. And follow Jakob on Facebook.

Other reviews from Jakob:

   - Cale:Drew

   - Solace

Omega massif - Karpatia

Genre : Instrumental post-metal / Sludge

Raw, heavy, brutal at times, that's how Karpatia is. Most of the time it depicts barren landscapes through slow, loud chords and powerful rhythms. However, this album is subtle enough to add just a couple melodic lines from time to time, to avoid being boring. And it's really successful, heaviness makes its job, but ambient riffs, often kept as backgrounds, give more layers to this sound, and makes it a really enjoyable listen, although associated with desolate darkened landscapes because of deep and pitched-down walls of sound. A journey through a shadowed night forest, or a barren rocky desolation, how you feel it is up to you.

Check out Im Karst and Steinernes Meer to enjoy this raw heaviness. And follow Omega massif on Facebook.

Other reviews from Omega massif:
   - Geisterstadt | Kalt

Cloudkicker - The discovery

Genre : Instrumental post-metal / Math metal

Cloudkicker is all about technical, experimental guitar work. Also, those phase shifts in drumming are the first thing that made me understand what math metal was. Only relying on guitar, bass, and drums, Cloudkicker is an approach to some kind of progressive music, with a good load of energy inside of it. Of course, if you're looking for ambient stuff, this isn't the best record to check out, as it's more a matter of technicity and unusual riffs and beats. However, some sounds can create an interesting modern atmosphere. But it's definitely worth a listen for guitar and drums lovers, or just for people who enjoy uncommon song structures, without falling in some really weird, almost disturbing genre like some other do.

Yay for a couple listens! Enjoy Dysphoria and The discovery for example. The discovery is available as a free listen and download on bandcamp.

Other reviews from Cloudkicker:
   - Loop [EP]

Rosetta - A determinism of morality

Genre : Post-metal / Sludge

Usually, I'm a bit reluctant to sludge, as most bands in the genre play very linear rhythm guitars, with the same loud and heavy chords. Vocals suffer the same lack of passion for many bands too, behind unexpressive and boring in the end. Rosetta avoids all those flaws in a row. Musically speaking, A determinism of morality delivers a huge lot of energy and still stays catchy, powerful drums being the first thing to mention, but not to forget guitars that keep it melodic, yet incredibly heavy at a time. Of course, bass adds layers to this rich sound, and all this makes for a rich, intense instrumentation. Vocals, if they typically belong to the hardcore genre, surely come from the heart and sure done with a lot of passion, contributing to the insane energic feeling of this record. Sure those are loud, intrusive most of the time, but that's how the genre goes. And how it should sound. Cleverly enough, Rosetta also added softened, slower instrumental interludes, or some clean singing, in order to break monotony. A well-thought, and perfectly built album, in the end.

If you enjoy the genre, just dig Ayil and the slower, melodic Revolve. And follow Rosetta on Facebook.

Jakob - Cale:Drew

Genre : Instrumental post-metal / Drone

We've already been talking about Jakob here. Well, they're for sure one of the most interesting post-rock/post-metal acts nowadays. At least, they really set a coherent and solid atmosphere, not falling into childish or boring sounds. Maybe it is because of the drone-esque influence in their mix, the cold, yet rich melodies, or the stunning walls of sound they use. Sure, labelling Jakob with only post-metal is not enough to tell how deep their sound is, as they don't go the dreamy way, but more the darker, deeper, mature way into instrumental ambient music. However, that doesn't mean there's non-stop distortion here, as tracks often switch from light and clean melodies to crushing chords and drones, back and forth. And that's what makes it so intense.

Don't get what I mean? Just listen to what I mean, with Controle and Semaphore. And follow Jakob on Facebook.

Other reviews from Jakob:
   - Solace
   - Subsets of sets

MAGI - 33rd degree [EP]

Genre : Instrumental post-metal / Drone

MAGI's sound is difficult to describe with words. First, you need to know it's definitely ambient music. This EP features a single 25 minutes long track, consisting in distorted soundscapes, drone elements, heavy yet calming atmospheres. What is really impressive here is the ability to set a perfect ambient track with such elements, as 33rd degree shows a world devoid of light, frozen landscapes, but not an agressive way. Yes it's loud, yes it's distorted, not especially melodic, but it's not brutal in any possible way. So if you enjoy post-metal, drones, walls of sound, all this merged in an ambient way, check this release out.

Check out a couple excerpts of this track, Part I and Part II. And follow MAGI on Facebook. 33rd degree is entirely available as a free listen and download on bandcamp.

Celephaïs - Becoming the deceased

Genre : Instrumental post-metal / Black metal

I could have tagged this instrumental post-black, too, but you've got the idea, Celephaïs merge post-metal and black metal elements, without any vocals. Such a combo is quite unusual, and it becomes even rare when you ask for quality stuff. But believe me, now this is! This album manages to create an urban feeling even though there are no lyrics, just with how cleverly it's composed, arranged, and produced. As with other releases in the same vein, distortion is at its maximum to create stunning walls of sound, drumming is rich and intense, and melodies are not forgotten, making for an intense sound that won't get you bored a single minute.

Check out Becoming the deceased and Shroud of mirrors. You should quickly love that sound. Moreover, Becoming the deceased is available as a free download, for exemple on last.fm.

Deep in thought - Dreamscapes

Genre : Instrumental post-metal

Post-metal also have underground bands to dig. And among the average ones, you sometimes come across a jewel. Deep in thought is one of those. At the edge of both post-rock and post-metal, Dreamscapes sets quite a heavy, yet really melodic sound. Being a one-man project doesn't prevent it from sounding amazingly great, with well-written and audible bass lines, powerful chords, as well as very pleasant guitar riffs. Sometimes fast, sometimes soft, sometimes heavy and distorted, it's hard to get bored while listening to this album. All in all, this is what I'd call a very pleasant surprise in modern music, but more than this, it's a perfect deal if post-metal is usually too heavy for you, or post-rock too slow for you. A clever release.

Get a taste with Ignes fatui and the calming, unusual Awash with light, but believe me, those aren't the only good ones there. And follow Deep in thought on Facebook. Dreamscapes is available as a free listen and download on bandcamp.

We made God - Fragments [EP]

Genre : Post-metal

Yeah, Ethereal Soundscapes is into new releases, too, and EPs. And even unpopular ones, like this free one from We made God. And Fragments shouldn't be so unpopular, believe me, as the guys return with their usual (and perfectly done) atmospheric, melodic, yet energic and strongly distorted post-metal, and those passionate vocals that are indeed worth mentioning, as they add a real strength to their music! Sometimes ethereal, sometimes agressive, the singer has a lot of passion to give away, even if vocals could have been a bit louder in their mix. The main strength of the band is back too, they're able to melt many kinds of music and atmospheres in a twenty-minutes long record, and one can only enjoy this versatile intensity.

Just listen to first song, Untitled, for a good taste of it, and maybe Drón. And follow We made God on Facebook. Fragments is available as a free download by clicking its title on their website, and if you don't know about them yet, it's definitely a good time and a good way to start!

Other reviews from We made God:
   - It's getting colder

Omega massif - Geisterstadt | Kalt

Genre : Instrumental post-metal / Sludge

Usually, when it's about sludge, I feel a bit disappointed about the lack of melodies, and the overall heaviness which sometimes get too much and boring. However, Omega massif makes a good attempt in avoiding those flaws, with a strong, distorted and heavy sound, but featuring interesting melodies that stick in one's head, and softened, yet dark parts, that fit in perfectly. Omega massif thus depicts a desertic and frozen world, with an overall cold sound, would it be heavy rhythms or melodies which are kept gloomy enough to fit in the genre.

Get a first taste of their sound with Eiswüste and Arcanum. And follow Omega massif on Facebook.

Other reviews from Omega massif:
   - Karpatia

Year of no light - Ausserwelt

Genre : Instrumental post-metal / Sludge

Some call it sludge, or doom, but I will just say that Ausserwelt is one of the most awesome instrumental gloomy and despaired metal I've ever come across. First, it's completely guitar-oriented, with very few keyboards, and ambient parts are more played through drones than with synths. Songs have quite unusual structures, featuring long parts with tortured guitars, crying riffs and urban-like sounds, diving deeper and deeper into a world devoid of light. Guitars are sometimes played high and fast, then they switch to harsh, loud and low rhythms, not to forget the awesome droning parts. It's hard to describe how well they fit with bass and drums to create a desperate atmosphere, but I can ensure it's a masterwork, and there are very few records that would be able to bring you such emotions, if you enjoy sick and dark music, of course.

Get a taste of those feelings through Perséphone (Enna) and Perséphone (Coré). And follow Year of no light on Facebook.

Other reviews from Year of no light:

   - Nord

From oceans to autumn - Equanimity [EP]

Genre : Instrumental post-metal

Equanimity is a short four-track EP setting for an amazing ambient instrumental post-metal. Though, it's a mostly guitar and bass driven sound, and thus it delivers a different atmosphere than what we're habited to. Crying guitars, crushing drums, deep bass lines, and you've got quite a dreamy, yet energic touch, with many layers from soft and gentle to dynamic and heavy sound. Not that it really stands out from the usual post-metal in terms of structure, but it does in terms of quality. So if you enjoy solid, energic, guitar-oriented instrumental music, be sure not to miss that one.

Also be sure to check out Blue and Latitudes, which are incredible pieces of music. And follow From oceans to autumn on Facebook. Equanimity is available as a free listen and download on bandcamp.

Other reviews from From oceans to autumn:
   - The flood / The fall
   - Return

We made God - It's getting colder

Genre : Post-metal

It's getting colder is one of those releases where you have this feeling that all possible genres melt. Actually, not all, but definitely, there is post-metal and post-rock mixed with sometimes dreamy voices, sometimes hardcore vocals. All in all, it's very well balanced, and that makes this album a real journey across music genres. Vocals are a huge strength there, sometimes chilling, sometimes crying, sometimes agressive. A nice load of emotions on a well-played post-metal base, what do people want?

Check out We have lost the battle, we have lost the war and The start is a finish line to have a preview. And follow We made God on Facebook.

Other reviews from We made God:
   - Fragments [EP]

Gifts from Enola - Gifts from Enola

Genre : Instrumental post-metal

I dare to approximate this as post-metal (sometimes more post-rock but ho well...) even if it gathers many other influences, and is really experimental as such. Gifts from Enola's self-titled album is a rich and complex album featuring five long tracks. It doesn't carry any specific emotion as rhythms and beats are quickly changing, most of the time. Yet it's a very interesting release, with unusual song structures and riffs, and thus is a very good listen just to enjoy warm melodies and catchy drum parts. Definitely a record that should be heard for music before any emotion.

I would really like to recommend Alagoas and Lionized as a couple listens. And follow Gifts from Enola on Facebook.