Review Summary: More sitar and more shamanic drums make the Gods ... something something.
God Is An Astronaut returns with
Embers, a sprawling, proggy epic that modestly pushes their sound forwards.
Embers delivers a dark, atmospheric journey, showcasing the band’s penchant for complex compositions and bombastic climaxes. Tracks like "Apparition" and "Embers" charge forward with raw energy, going through multiple movements in the process, while "Falling Leaves", "Odyssey", "Heart of Roots" and closer "Hourglass" bring an ambient beauty, blending Torsten Kinsella’s familiar dreamy vocals with lush synths, emotive keys and sweeping strings.
The album’s depth is further enhanced by guest musicians. Jo Quail’s cello adds a subtle richness to the heavier tracks and takes the lead on haunting interludes like "Realms" and "Prism". Dara O’Brien contributes sitar and shamanic drums among other instruments, infusing an experimental edge that punctuates the album without feeling too gimmicky, helping establish a consistent thematic atmosphere throughout.
Stylistically,
Embers recalls the dark vibe of 2015’s
Helios Erebus but with an even blacker, heavier scope. The lengthy, intricate compositions and somber tones might feel too demanding at times, but ultimately,
Embers proves a compelling evolution from 2021’s mediocre
Ghost Tapes #10 and stands on par with the deeply atmospheric (and rather misunderstood)
Epitaph. For fans of progressive, atmospheric rock, this is more than worth your time.