By John Bedard
I open my email and find the press release for ‘Under the Weight of an Ominous Presence’ and see that if you want a physical release the only option you have is a cassette, I have to say that wins some massive style points for me. That is the kind of decision you make very intentionally and, while subtle, tells me a lot about the passion and dedication to the craft. It is like having really premium packaging for a bottle of whiskey, it shows pride in what has been created and a desire to show it off in a specific way. All that fluff being said, the cool packaging means nothing if the whiskey is no good, so let’s press play and see how she sounds.
I will save you the suspense the product exceeds the packaging! We have very clear black metal roots with that tell tail mid-heavy guitar tone and fast drums but there is more to it than that. At times things take a turn toward a more melodic feel. Evolving and changing within the track and mixing in some unique sounds and effects that create a wonderful evolution throughout the whole experience. There is so much to digest making for a complete experience that is hard to not want more of.
Vocally it is very much the same story. Deep roots in a black metal tone and while there is less evolution here he knows when is best to cut through the mix and when it is best to pull back and let the music come forward making everything feel very intentional and properly thought out. Never was there a time where I thought any element was overpowering any other.
If you can’t tell by now, I absolutely loved this EP. There is so much depth to every note and the whole experience feels wonderfully complete. This is a must listen and a must buy in my opinion. I’m tempted to pick up the cassette myself. I think Floating Black Prism will become a cornerstone in the genre and I can’t wait to hear more from them in the future. Go pick this one up. You will not regret it.
- ‘Under the Weight of an Ominous Presence’ is released on 11 December. You can get your copy HERE.
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