ALBUM REVIEW: Agg – Perihelion

Hungary isn’t known for its rock and metal heritage but as is the case in most facets of life glimmers of brilliance are discovered in the most unlikely of places. This is precisely what post-rock outfit PERIHELION are hoping to display with their latest instalment entitled Agg which is available now via self-release. Will this release assist in taking them to the next level?

Tavasszal a Vadak possesses a high level of energy whilst still maintaining its composure, the wailing shrieks of frontman Gyula Vasvári create a particularly evocative atmosphere to coincide with the echoing melodies. The dramatic nature of the track keeps you guessing as the tones transition between the serene and the darker sides of the spectrum.

Rejtek follows a similar structure with more melodic vocals being introduced into the mix. Whilst the lyrics are all in Hungarian and will be predominantly lost on the listener the passion which is expelled in their delivery combined with the thought provoking soundscape allows for the opportunity to open their content to interpretation. Erdő ensures the flow remains consistent as Agg progresses. The way the track teasingly unravels leaves an air of anticipation as to where the next twist and turn will appear from. The soulful vocal projection plays the focal role which is adeptly enhanced by the layered instrumental accompaniment.

Parázs almost catches you unaware with a lively burst of diverse intricacies from the offset. The gloominess of the guitar tones compliments the powerful vocal tones, creating a captivating pairing. The track fades out and this ominous drone feeds into following track Bérc. Subtle guitar segments begin to creep into the background as this intermediary piece segues into further dramatic atmospherics that tee up the epic Nyugvó.

A steady drum roll gets the instruments stirring once more and whilst harnessing a conservative approach the track lures you in like a siren signalling your doom with its enthralling mood. The vocal work is beautifully executed and perfectly conveys a sense of rawness and fragility. The tension is racked up once more for title track and curtain closer Agg, the level pacing stays true to the foundations which have been built throughout this release. The doom injected guitar tones return for one final fanfare as they weave within the cathartic yet chilling demeanour that unfolds.

Ensuring that compositions which are particularly minimalist in construction continue to entice you and restrain your mind from wandering elsewhere is not an easily achievable feat but this is something that PERIHELION have managed to succeed in with flying colours. Agg may not whisk you off your feet in a whirling dervish of frenetic chaos but the tools utilised within are utterly captivating and will awaken a wide variety of processes within the scope of your imagination, keeping you thoroughly gripped throughout it’s journey. Whilst they may not possess the same cult following as the likes of DEAFHEAVEN and ALCEST this album has provided a golden opportunity for them to springboard themselves into the spotlight.

Rating: 8/10

Agg is available now via self-release.

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