Review Summary: Despite some flaws, Giant Squid deliver a heavy yet artistic post metal album.
First of all, who ever chose the name for this band should be punched. Giant squid as a band makes highly atmospheric music that sounds like a combination of Isis, Neurosis, and some Mastodon. On their site they said their name has to do with the massive stature of their songs, like a giant squid. Granted a Giant squid is giant, but when a giant squid comes to mind I think of a poor quality sci-fi film then the great atmospheric post-metal that is their debut.
Whats great about Metridium Fields is that Giant Squid used unconventional methods of creating their music. Trumpets play a role in the third song Versus the Siren, and they also have a female vocalist, which is refreshing to see in a metal band, especially because she adds so much to the sound with her soft wails and straight singing. She almost sounds like a mystical siren some of the time, and both of the vocalists play off one another well. Another characteristic of Metridium Fields is the excellent guitar and instrumental work.
Megaptera In The Delta: I really don't know why this is here. It sounds like a chainsaw for most of the song and then it fades to white noise. I suppose that Giant Squid is trying to create an atmospheric mood, but it really fails and the only thing it manages to do is connect to the next song Nenonate. 0/5
Neonate: Starts with some heavy riffs and cymbal crashes, with keyboard in the background. Proceeds to be awesome by creating a buildup to some seriously crushing riffs and excellent vocals. It then lightens up a bit and slows down with some almost middle eastern type sounds, but then goes back to the sound found in the beginning, and closes with some great riffs, piano and vocal work.
This song is some fantastic atmospheric sludge/doom/post-metal, it really has it all. The way this song builds up suspense to a crushing sea of guitar, shows the song writing prowess of Giant Squid, Very well done the only blemish being that the Middle-eastern section of the song dragged a bit 4.5/5
Versus The Siren: Opens with some keyboard, and then adds drums and very sad sounding guitar and bass. Continues while both the male and female vocalists sing together. In the background and occasional effect is heard. Shifts to almost organ-sounding keyboards, and then the trumpets chime in, creating a very atmospheric listening experience. Repeats whole melody, continues until fast guitar and bass cancel out the trumpet, quickening the tempo leading to some shouting male vocals. Some more heavy guitars kick in, and then the trumpets chime in again. Once again becomes quiet and slower paced. Song closes with trumpet in the lead with the occasional guitar chord.
This song is also great, The combination of all the different, almost unheard of in metal instruments add a fresh sound to the mix, making the whole song experimental, yet beautiful at the same time. Really nothing is bad in this song. 5/5
Ampullae of Lorenzini: Opens with drums and soft harsh vocals. Adds very heavy guitar to the mix, making the song sludgier. Continues with harsher vocals. A moody section with acoustic guitars and the female vocalist occur. Male vocalist joins in, after awhile, the slow guitars explode once again into a doom metal sound barrage. Guitars quicken but are softer, and joined by fast paced drums. Once again the instruments take on a heavy doom sound which continues until the song ends with a soft piano.
I love the crushing doom sections in this piece, and the interludes are alright, but the ending section did not need to be as long as it did, it didn't hurt the song too much, but definitely could have been shorter. 4/5
Summit: Opens with a snow warning broadcast. Guitar joins in along with female vocals. Ambient section continues for awhile, then a fake buildup leads to more ambiance, until about 4:00 when the guitar Makes some really mammoth sound, along with some catchy slower guitar in the background. Continues until the end of the song.
Don't get me wrong, I like this song but there are a few issues. Giant squid seem to be making this song long just to be long, the ambient section of the beginning does not need to go on for four minutes, it's ridiculous. However, the absolutely fantastic crushing section after four minutes more then make up for it. 3.5/5
Eating Machine: Waste of a song, again. Some noise in the background along with some spoken Microsoft SAM type lyrics make this an utter mess. 0/5
Revolution in the Water: Opens with some great guitar which closes to an ambient section which then goes into another sludgy-ish section. Repeat. That general idea until the end when some screamed vocals take over along with more great guitar work.
The description of this song was so short is because it was repetitive and followed a very structured way of creating music that the other songs didn't. Good work all around, but uninspired. 3/5
Metridium Fields: Opens with another spoken warning type thing when sad guitars and slow drums play until the eight minute mark when things really pick up to a faster paced melody that changes a few times until the end of the song.
Now I would critique this as being too long (21 minutes?!) but this song changes enough during the course of it that it is really fun to listen to throughout. Very good closer. 4.5/5
Overall Metridium Fields is a very good listen for anyone into sludge/doom/post-metal. A few exceptions though the gems on this make up for it.
Good
Innovative using new instruments
Great instrumental work
Catchy at times
Great song structure
Excellent Vocal work
Bad
Some songs drag
Recommended tracks:
Neonate
Versus The Siren
Summit
