Tephra A Modicum Of Truth

  full reviewuser ratings (13) 
Tracklist:
1. Apollo
2. Big Black Mountain
3. Changes
4. A Modicum of Truth
5. Until the End
6. Rivers Eyes
7. Crossways
8. Wolves Chamber
9. Clearance
10. Lost One
11. In the Valley


Release Date: 2007

user rating
3.5
great
Chart.

recommended by reviewer
Neurosis Given To The Rising
Mastodon Leviathan
Cult Of Luna Salvation


  On 5 Lists

4.0
excellent
Powerban USER (9 Reviews)

November 29th, 2009 | 7 replies | 5,074 views

Summary: For Neurosis fans, Sludge fans, and general post-metal lovers.

2 of 2 thought this review was well written

Tephra reside in Germany and mimick a sound that has seen a massive rise in the last few years in the metal scene. The moniker being the much hated term "Post-Metal". While hated by bands and fans alike, it seems it's here to stay. You can clearly see one of their main influences right from the get-go. Neurosis definitely has to be one of the inspirations while composing their music, which trudges loudly, unrelentingly and catastrophically amongst sunsets.

"When large amounts of tephra accumulate in the atmosphere from massive volcanic eruptions (or from a multitude of smaller eruptions occurring simultaneously), they can reflect light and heat from the sun back through the atmosphere, in some cases causing the temperature to drop, resulting in a climate change: "volcanic winter". Tephra mixed in with precipitation can also be acidic and cause acid rain and snowfall."

I can't think of a more fitting name for a band rooted in sludge, but exploring post-metal. Tephra create such a dense atmosphere that the air around you sometimes doesn't feel like it has any oxygen in it. You can literally feel the agony in Ercüment's vocals in some moments of this album, such as the song In The End where his haunting vocals are chilling when the music takes a backseat to his screams which again, sound like they're from your typical Neurosis record. If I were to describe his vocals in full then it would seem as if Steve Von Till (Neurosis) and Klas Rydberg (Cult Of Luna) combining both their vocal talents into one voice.

The music is structured a little more simply in comparison to those two aforementioned bands, The sludgey riffs can become repetitive and even overpowering at times, demanding the typical person to have a break from them, or totally quit on them. One album highlight, and the most accessible of all their songs is the first actual track on the album Big Black Mountain with a chunky riff that seems like it could be on one of your favorite Mastodon records and only clocking in at a short four minutes and two seconds. The other song worth mentioning is the albums closer In The Valley which features some nice soothing female vocals and some chilled out music amongst what seems like an unstoppable force, before trudging out like your typical post-metal cd outro.

This isn't anything new at all, Nor is it refreshing. It's definitely worth a listen of you like post-metal or even just Neurosis but it can become boring from what it seems as a lack of direction in some parts.

Recommendations:
Big Black Mountain
Until The End
In The Valley


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Comments:Add a Comment 
Powerban
November 29th 2009



2359 Comments

Album Rating: 4

Kinda rushed but it's like 5am and I was bored and zombie-like. Big Black Mountain is definitely worth checking out. Hope these guys expand on that sound with their new record being released soon.

Listen to big black mountain here: http://www.last.fm/music/Tephra/_/Big+Black+Mountain?autostart

Zettel
November 29th 2009



490 Comments


"This isn't anything new at all, Nor is it refreshing. It's definitely worth a listen of you like post-metal or even just Neurosis but it can become boring from what it seems as a lack of direction in some parts."

Then is it more like a 3 star album?

Since it is the only review for the album on the site, maybe you should not rush it. Or anything, for that matter.


Relinquished
November 29th 2009



14280 Comments


it would seam as if


typo. this is good but I haven't given it enough listens to warrant the correct rating.

Digging: Neurosis - Times of Grace

Digging: Neurosis - Times of Grace

Relinquished
November 29th 2009



14280 Comments


hmm well yeah there are parts where I lose interest in the songs.

Powerban
November 29th 2009



2359 Comments

Album Rating: 4

I agree. Thanks for the typo find as well. Give it a bit of time, It's nothing super spectacular. Good for some background music while doing something.

Then is it more like a 3 star album?

Since it is the only review for the album on the site, maybe you should not rush it. Or anything, for that matter.


It's about a 3.7 since I like this type of music, I guess if you aren't too fond of post-metal this would be a 2.5/3 or lower if you can't stand it at all.

Even though I rushed it and it's short, I'm happy with it overall. I'll probably add more to it later on like I usually do with reviews. Just general stuff I forget about mentioning.


Photon
May 15th 2010



1232 Comments

Album Rating: 3

album is good ..and yeah the vocalist sounds almost likes COL's Klas Rydberg

Digging: Knut - Challenger

Digging: Knut - Challenger

Shuyin
May 15th 2012



4993 Comments


solid album, but i prefer the self titled tbh.

Digging: Blood Red Throne - Altered Genesis

Digging: Blood Red Throne - Altered Genesis



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