krautrock / black metal
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Some bands are exceptionally praised for their unique and unmatched sound, regardless of genre boundaries or ideology. Sunn O))) definitely is one of them and so is Aluk Todolo. In fact, as far as those unique bands are concerned, Aluk Todolo is one of my favorites, certainly live. I've seen them play in support of Sunn O))) in a perfect setting, a nineteenth century fortress. That really was a night to remember. Later, the played in a venue close to where I live and the were equally massive and hypnotic. Since then, I'm a fan.
One way or another, whenever a band releases an album, the fans are the hardest ones to please. The album sound either too much or too little like the previous one. Yet, with a unique sound comes a unique possibility to explore. That's what drives Aluk Todolo, exploring the trance-inducing blend of krautrock, black metal and psychedelic rock. In the case of 'Voix', that means a wider expansion of their signature sound.
That's exactly what 'Voix' is, an intense and psychedelic trip through the sonic universe that this trio has created. As with their previous albums, it's hard to find out where one track ends and another begins. I've been listening to this piece of work a few times now and it still isn't easy. Much like with drone acts like Nadja or Dirk Serries, the whole seems one elaborate variation on a theme. Do I mind? Absolutely not, there exactly lies the power of this music.
Most of what I hear on this album, are outbursts of psychedelic guitars and jazz-influenced drums. At first the bass guitar seems to be the only element that brings a bit of variation to the whole. Yet, after turning up the volume and let the music do its work, this becomes more than a bunch of heavy instrumentals. The bass guitar becomes the guide through this haunting and complex sonic assault.
There are a lot of bands with 'an own sound' but Aluk Todolo managed to wipe the floor with all of them (or perhaps most of them, certainly if you consider Godspeed You Black Emperor as one of those bands.). They came out of the studio with another masterpiece, one that doesn't just bring more of the same. 'Voix' confirms and expands the reputation that these guys already have. I for one can't wait to see them play this live.
Serge
One way or another, whenever a band releases an album, the fans are the hardest ones to please. The album sound either too much or too little like the previous one. Yet, with a unique sound comes a unique possibility to explore. That's what drives Aluk Todolo, exploring the trance-inducing blend of krautrock, black metal and psychedelic rock. In the case of 'Voix', that means a wider expansion of their signature sound.
That's exactly what 'Voix' is, an intense and psychedelic trip through the sonic universe that this trio has created. As with their previous albums, it's hard to find out where one track ends and another begins. I've been listening to this piece of work a few times now and it still isn't easy. Much like with drone acts like Nadja or Dirk Serries, the whole seems one elaborate variation on a theme. Do I mind? Absolutely not, there exactly lies the power of this music.
Most of what I hear on this album, are outbursts of psychedelic guitars and jazz-influenced drums. At first the bass guitar seems to be the only element that brings a bit of variation to the whole. Yet, after turning up the volume and let the music do its work, this becomes more than a bunch of heavy instrumentals. The bass guitar becomes the guide through this haunting and complex sonic assault.
There are a lot of bands with 'an own sound' but Aluk Todolo managed to wipe the floor with all of them (or perhaps most of them, certainly if you consider Godspeed You Black Emperor as one of those bands.). They came out of the studio with another masterpiece, one that doesn't just bring more of the same. 'Voix' confirms and expands the reputation that these guys already have. I for one can't wait to see them play this live.
Serge