ALBUM REVIEW: Johannes – Decline of the I
DECLINE OF THE I definitely fall into the deeper end of the conceptual spectrum. With their mastermind AK polishing up their first trilogy of interconnected albums, the group now aims for even more philosophical debates with their latest release Johannes, and the beginning of a new trilogy chapter for the group. Focussing this time on Søren Kierkegaard’s theological and philosophical works. If that is a smidgen too deep for you, like it probably is for mostly everyone, there is still a decent post black metal album wrapped up in here as well, so don’t be too put off by the bands conceptual visions.
A Selfish Star is an excellent album opener, and the deep NEUROSIS worship embedded within the song gives it a pulsating energy that perfectly starts this albums journey. The thick, layered guitars feel physically heavy when you listen to them, and the powerful vocals add to the aural assault that really delivers when it comes to impact. There is a sense of voyage with the album as well, given the length of each track and the pretty decent pacing throughout the album. In the same way AHAB masterfully tell stories throughout their albums, DECLINE OF THE I have refined their album writing ability to a degree where they are album to effectively deliver unique chapters of a story whilst keeping the album moving along at a really good pace.
Act of Faith rumbles with an ungodly sense of urgency and the chanting vocals add a mystical element that really enhances the band as an entity as opposed to some guys writing music. Similar to how SLEEP TOKEN are proving that story-telling in music can appeal to a really wide audience, there is a lot to be taken from Johannes as well that should appeal to audiences of both Arc Tan Gent and Bloodstock. There is a great level of experimentation throughout the album as well, with the choral vocals on The Veil of Splendid Lies cutting right through the chaos like light through a forest and then the juxtaposed violence of Tethering the Transient.
With the vocals equating to a low rumble in the deep, the lyrical content of this album is best left for the full sit-and-listen that comes with a vinyl player and good headphones. But that is perhaps the best part of albums like Johannes. They certainly deserve listens with intent, and they reward as well. The swirling sound effects that come half way through Tethering… sound akin to EMPEROR’s In the Nighshade Eclipse and have the same magical effect when they spin round your head. And then the clean vocals shine through like a spectre and it works really well to create a memorable atmosphere that stays with you after initial listens. DECLINE OF THE I have achieved something really excellent with their craftsmanship here.
Even if the deep, deep dive into philosophical territories puts you off somewhat, there is still a tremendous amount to enjoy within Johannes and within DECLINE OF THE I. Taking influence from musical legends like NEUROSIS and also recent upstarts like BATUSHKA and sprinkling in a healthy dose of experienced song writing, DECLINE OF THE I have written one of the most complete album experiences of the year and seem to be improving with each passing release. If this is the first part of a new trilogy, the impending two parts stand in front of an impressively high bar. But if DECLINE OF THE I can manage it, they could be onto something truly special.
Rating: 8/10
Johannes is out now via Agonia Records.
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