ALBUM REVIEW: Colossus – Arcane Existence

Since becoming the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Kiera Pietrangelo back in 2016, ARCANE EXISTENCE has become a fully fledged collective who are poised to take the world by storm with their second album Colossus which is due for release on August 20th. If this is your first experience of the black/death outfit then buckle up as you’re in for a treat!

ARCANE EXISTENCE get the ball rolling with Mystic through some dramatic piano work and enchanting operatic vocals that are soon shrouded in a more aggressive mood. Proficient guitar work blends into the mix alongside some snappy blast beats. The soundscape continues to ebb and flow into different territories to keep you guessing which path it is going to venture down next.

Sovereign Blood follows in a similar stance with enticing riffs and a theatrical prose. The track is very crisp and clean but at the same time it is not afraid to throw some savage elements in for good measure. Transmutation continues the symphonic yet ferocious assault with alluring instrumentation that captures your gaze but threatens to poke your eyes out simultaneously. Formation goes for the short but sweet approach that arrives, whips up a frenzy and then quickly departs.

Conclave injects a swifter tempo with heavy hitting riffing that meshes with a chilling operatic ensemble of soaring vocal lines. Some impactful drum fills are also added to the piece to up the ante. Scroll of Augury catches you unawares with a relaxing yet brief introduction that dives straight back into the thick of the action. The piano and guitar work are layered together brilliantly and compliment each other well. The Altar steams forward with some crushing blast beats and a vicious scream to set the tone. The tense, energetic vibe is particularly captivating and the leadwork which follows is mesmerizing. Enchantment feels like a descension into anarchy as it bursts into expertly executed sweeping before a chiming bell rattles your ears. The wild and wonderful transitions don’t end there, providing one of the most intriguing and enthralling compositions thus far.

Castle on the Hill delves into a more quirky, progressive realm whilst not deviating so far that it puts an abrupt shift in their momentum. If anything it just makes the journey even more interesting. The addictive melodies take hold as you are powerless to resist their charm.  Conducting the Scourge possesses a ridiculously catchy groove that is invigorating and tees up the remaining chaos up nicely. Don’t be surprised if this gets stuck in your head for quite some time. Title track Colossus commences in an elegant, vibrant fashion with uplifting tones that are an ideal accompaniment to the combination of ethereal sparks and wicked aggression.

Beneath Withered Stone keeps you on the edge of your seat with a plodding but unsettling stride that is laced with venomous growls and infectious drum beats that oddly vanishes into thin air. On first inspection A Light Between Realms feels like witnessing the credits scroll by after an emotionally packed feature film. The soothing nature allows for a moment of contemplation before gearing up for one final hurrah in the form of dramatic drumming and lively instrumentation. A fitting end for a whirlwind of an album.

On first inspection thirteen tracks clocking in at just under an hour gives off the impression this may be a bit of a slog, prepare to be proven completely wrong. Every track is packed with plenty of punch and keeps you hooked throughout its runtime. Considering the sheer volume of amazing releases we’ve already witnessed thus far in 2021 and that Colossus is right up there with the cream of the crop is a testament to just how impressive this offering really is.

Rating: 9/10

Colossus is set for release on August 20th via self-release. 

Like ARCANE EXISTENCE on Facebook.