Review Summary: This isn’t a laughing matter
Throughout the last few years, Without Waves has been slowly building their repertoire in the progressive metal realm. With their second release,
Lunar, the band displayed their extensive talent in combining progressive elements with mathcore, alternative metal, and hard rock. Now, on their third full-length
Comedian, Without Waves continues to thrive in their unique blend of styles, resulting in a record that explores their aggressive nature juxtaposed by harmonious elements.
Comedian feels like a balancing act, finding the middle ground between chaos and melody. In the first half, Without Waves displays their impressive technicality and elaborate songwriting, captivating listeners with heavy-hitting tracks that fuse progressive metal with elements of hard rock while adopting a mathy composition. “Good Grief” and “Animal Kingdom” fall in line with the tropes of mathcore akin to The Dillinger Escape Plan while also providing space to breathe and a break from the intensity. “.algorithm” and “Set & Setting” feature upbeat, energetic drum grooves, accentuated with chunky guitars and driving progression. With the turn of “Sleep Deep,” the second half of
Comedian takes a dive into post-hardcore territory, combining catchy riffs with the clean verses accentuated by powerful vocals. Although the latter half of the record prominently shows the more melodic side of Without Waves, “Do What Scares You” and “Sleight in Shadows” integrate darker, aggressive moments that contrast the lush beauty of the calmer sections. Nonetheless,
Comedian perfectly rounds off with “Worlds Apart” and “Seven,” two of the most beautifully constructed songs of the record. The reverberated chord progressions amplified by lavish ambiance allows the tracks to float in open space with rich harmonies soaring across the soundscape. Alongside such beauty, “Seven” makes various nods to the heavier moments of the record, blending brief moments of chaos that give way to atmospheric serenity. With such a stark contrast to the opening tracks,
Comedian effectively progresses in style and never feels overbearing or too scatter-brained.
On their third full-length, Without Waves yet again show the amount of potential they hold. Their captivating blend of progressive metal with chaotic mathy elements and catchy hard rock is something that stands out from others in the genre.
Comedian is a progressive journey through intensity and melody. It is an energetic record that never loses its punch.
Comedian is no laughing matter.
