Despite the many different directions that the world of post-metal can be taken even without the inclusion of other styles, it can often feel as though many bands in the style are somewhat narrow-minded in how many don’t try new things or broaden any sort of horizons. As such, the names that manage to do something interesting and go for true captivating of listeners rise far above much of the contemporary scene as those entities truly bring something to the table wherever in the world of post-metal they may be. With Dirge, they have much more to offer than some loose riffs lost in an atmosphere with their sophomore album one that feels as much a personal statement from the band as well as a showcase of undeniable talent.
For years now, India has been the site of one of the more interesting and largely unheralded metal scenes in the entire world in my opinion. With more than a few rising names and successes such that I put the Indian scene on the same level as that of the Irish and Chilean scenes, Dirge is but the latest in a long line of surprises from India to have caught my attention with their new self-titled creation one that does far more than simply catch the ear. Four tracks that allow the runtime to clock in over thirty minutes of gravitas on such a level that it becomes all but effortless for the music to draw you intimately close where all barriers are brought low and naught but the soul is left to be seen. What we’re given here is a tremendous mix of potent doom mixed with all the ethereal, evocative nature of post-metal that only the best are able to tap into with Dirge making it abundantly clear with this record that they’re not just capable of delivering such an effort in every capacity, but allow such magnificence to take on a life of its own. Amongst the dense atmospheres and undeniably organic musicianship that’s to be found at every turn, Dirge manages to meet and often surpass expectations with their eponymous debut offering us a glimpse into the mental state of the band as well as showing us in one clean motion after another that India still has more than enough talent within its depths to still surprise us should we simply look hard enough.
As dynamic as it is a true joy to lose yourself within its cathartic halls, Dirge has much more to offer than what they may seem at first given the potential of the world of post-metal that can often feel anti-climatic. That is nowhere near an issue for Dirge, though. For the whole of this experience, we’re given an exemplary visage of what all the style can be and even just a little bit more with the work undeniably solidifying this name as one that demands to be watched from here on out.
“Dirge” releases on March 10th!
LISTEN to Dirge on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Dirge on Facebook here.
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