Review Summary: Atmospheric psychedelic instrumental doom metal.... is that a real thing?
Introduction: There are bands that will do anything to break the mold. They'll do it by adding xylophone. They'll do it by adding 4 guitar parts. They'll do it by littering the stage with every friend they can scrounge up to make as much noise as possible. They'll do it using polymeter, polyrhythm, or some other technique. They'll break the mold by having two bassists. They'll break it by employing a female lead singer who sounds like a man. Then their are those who are simply unafraid. Those who break the mold by unassumingly following an idea through to it's completion, whether it takes nine minutes or sixteen. Those men are Garrett LoConti and Aaron Oakman of Before the Eyewall and I have some good news for you. They're in a van headed right for you.
Before the Eyewall: The self titled album and first full lenth release by this two piece from Columbus, Ohio. Consisting of 4 songs (Three LONG songs and one song that, at 3:28, feels like "I'm a cucumber"(youtube it)in comparison) clocking in at just under 50 minutes.
Sky Rises: One of the things I really enjoy about BTE is the restraint. There's space between the notes, unspoken words, chordality in place of busyness. Skyrise starts the album off with a doomy cacaphony of sound, giving way to one of their more upbeat numbers, and introducing you to the sort of detuned sounds you will become all too familiar with. (Is that guitar tuned to A?) Best moments:1:28. 4:16. 6:19. 7:57.
Path of Ash and Desperation: When I close my eyes and listen an image immediately springs to mind. It's Mad Max. Don't ask me why, but I think of Mel Gibson. Plodding through the desolate, desert wasteland in search of water or civilization. This song also houses some of BTE's grooviest stuff at about the 6 minute mark, a prog rock worthy breakdown that ends at about the halfway mark, but hold on to your seats, the ride isn't over yet. Best moments: 5:51. 9:35. 11:04.13:21.
Tome of the Concentric Eye: Certainly the most cerebral track of the album and probably my favorite overall, Tome of the Concentric Eye houses some of the more interesting guitar melodies, tones, and rhythms and gives you a good idea of what BTE is capable of in terms of virtuosity.
Sky Falls: I'm a cucumber. Seriously, youtube it.
OK. So maybe Sky falls deserves a little more explanation than "I'm a cucumber", but I can't do everything for you. I picked this album up at a Pallbearer show in Columbus OH where BTE opened up to a very receptive audience. It's hard to capture this sort of loud detuned band in a recording but I think they did it about the best I've heard. Give it a try at http://beforetheeyewall.bandcamp.com/releases or check out their facebook page for a live show near you and support a great band and a great couple of guys! I'm a cucumber. I'm a cucumber. I'm a cucumber...
