Arc of Ascent - Album Review: Realms of the Metaphysical
The third full-length album from Arc of Ascent, Realms of the Metaphysical, is an uplifting release full of dark beauty and stand out vocals.
Like their two previous releases, Circle Of The Sun and The Higher Key, these songs will translate well live. New drummer Mark McGeady’s dry sounding kit provides a nice low-fi quality to Arc of Ascent's expansive psychedelic rock sound. This works well when the band really lets rip to create that coveted Spector Sound we all know and love.
Sticking to the tried and true, intro track Set the Planets Free demands to be played loud. Long build-ups and solid rhythms keep your attention transfixed while Matt Cole-Baker’s overdriven guitar provides huge amounts of depth to the stereo image. With moments of musical genius, Eyes of Sages has trance inducing riffs sure to get audiences amped and just like his bass, Craig Williamson’s vocal delivery is right in the pocket.
Preaching the heavy metal gospel, Hexagram has a chorus to die for and sparse solos that often impart a cathedral like spookiness. However the stand out track In the Light is even more masterful in its simplicity. At times a single bent guitar note is all that holds the song together. Similarly, riffing on Benediction Moon meanders around the fret board skilfully with chord progressions that cement the predominantly stoner rock together.
Outgoing track Temple Stone sees a return of Indian inspired scales with a doom-like verse before the guitar solo that’s particularly effective. The slow build up to the middle eight with powerful harmonics and organ sounding guitar synth are nice touches as well.
For the most part a hands off approach to Kenny MacDonald’s mixing works well throughout. This might be a six-track release but the songs are extensive. Get some good bang for your buck and check it out today.
3/5
About Arc of Ascent
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Arc of Ascent
Releases
Other Reviews By River Tucker
Lucid Shift - EP Review: Aonaran
18 Oct 2024 // by River Tucker
You would be hard pressed to not get excited about Lucid Shift’s debut EP, Aonaran. But be warned, this release isn’t for the fainthearted.
Read More...
Amanaki - EP Review: Embers
22 Jul 2024 // by River Tucker
Amanaki might not be a household name yet, but along with their indie label, North Supply Co., they’re definitely on track to grab your attention.
Read More...
Silcrow - EP Review: Silcrow
14 Jun 2024 // by River Tucker
Aiming for the stars, Silcrow’s seven-track EP merges American-style rock with a touch of Seattle grunge in a well-produced release that will appeal to many generations of music lovers, but mainly to those whose musical awakening happened sometime in the 90’s.As well as changing their name from Close To The Bone to the much more kick-arse Silcrow, these four young guys from Auckland have been working hard on the live circuit (bar a short hiatus during lockdown) to get their songs fully dialled in and ready for the studio.
Read More...
Parasitic Infestation - EP Review: Promo EP
21 Apr 2024 // by River Tucker
If you’re looking for some great metal music, you’ve come to the right place. Hardworking up-and-coming band Parasitic Infestation, who specialise in Brutal Death Metal, are set to make your ears bleed with their latest promo release, consisting of three deliciously heavy songs (plus bonus tracks) that I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Read More...
Album Review: The Death Spell
12 Dec 2023 // by River Tucker
There’s a real whisky drinking, bare knuckle fighting edge to the self-titled debut album by The Death Spell, kicking off with Nail You Higher Than Before. Obviously, song lyrics are in your face on this track, especially for any Christians in the audience, but you couldn’t ask for a better intro to the musical style of this Auckland-based band.
Read More...
Beastwars - Gig Review: Reign of the Beast @ Whanganui Musicians Club, Whanganui - 13/10/2023
15 Oct 2023 // by River Tucker
If you're into metal music, the Musicians Club in Whanganui was the place to be last Friday night for a feast of auditory delights to satisfy even the hungriest of souls. Brought to you by Lost Art and Panhead beer, Beastwars and Shepherds Reign headlined an epic concert that was set to bring the house down on the first leg of their not-to-be-missed Reign of the Beast tour.
Read More...
End of an Empire - Album Review: Best Laid Plans
25 Sep 2023 // by River Tucker
It’s been a couple of years since End of an Empire released their favourably reviewed debut album, Within, Without in 2020. Since then, the Wellington-based four-piece have obviously put their time to good use by writing Best Laid Plans, which is arguably one of the finest Hardcore releases to come out of New Zealand this year.
Read More...
The Rising Tide - Gig Review: Inferno - Youth Rock & Metal @ The Stomach, Palmerston North - 5/08/2023
07 Aug 2023 // by River Tucker
It’s not often that you get treated to a mid-winter concert where nearly every metal genre is being performed. But that’s exactly what happened at The Stomach in Palmerston North last Saturday night where four bands gave it their all in a rip-roaring all-ages show that will undoubtedly leave the hundred or so people who attended with lasting impressions.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
