Review Summary: An incredibly talented band to download/purchase an album from. It is quite different from most bands within this genre, so you've got to be open minded to enjoy.
Petrychor - a black metal band hailing from California. Except they aren't raw black, or symphonic, they incorporate sensitive acoustic melodies and soft strings that echo under the layers of fast tremolo picking and drumming, with dynamics and breaks that give the listener something exciting to wait for all throughout a piece. Petrychor should set the fundamentals for another genre, 'Epic Black Metal'. Each song is different from the next, sadly, only three are on this EP.
1. Dryad (I Make My Home)
This track begins with an acoustic guitar playing a very melodic melody until 0:50 seconds in, then the drumming, strings, and fast paced tremolo picking start with a riff that will stick with you throughout the entire piece. The vocals are nonsensical, but who honestly cares? They sound great, even though they're a bit washed into the ambience of the music. Roughly half way through is a solo, something usually unseen in BM. After, it slows in pace and reverts back to acoustic playing, giving your ears a break. The heavy bits pick up again, returning you to chaotic-yet-beautiful riffage and strings. This piece, after a whopping eight minutes, fades out with more acoustic playing, chords played that are used in country. Overall, a dramatic piece that will definitely mark an impression.
2. Gamma Leonis
I sometimes wonder where Petrychor gets its' song titles from. A morose, despondent piano melody is played, setting the dark theme. The heavy music itself doesn't really sound all too dark, I sense the feeling of hope actually. Tremolo picking of similar melodies are played, with vocals even more layered underneath the other instruments. I suppose it's done to really reflect the riff itself. Overall, a nice piece, wish they incorporated more prominent vocals though.
3. Of Salt And Sky
Hm, unsure of the influence here of this acoustic piece, sounds roughly a bit latin? But it's an interesting sound, it really showcases their talent. Not sure what else to say about it. It'll definitely keep you entertained and entwined with the immaculate tone of the entire ep, a good closing song.
Overall, it's really up to YOU to decide if you like Petrychor. I really, really wish they would release more songs but alas, I can't find much news of them anywhere. They're certainly one of my favourites, and I sure hope more buzz will form around them, they could become an under ground legend.
