ALBUM REVIEW: Disillusioned Fire – Novarupta
When the name NOVARUPTA comes from the most powerful eruption of a volcano in the twentieth century it should be expected that Disillusioned Fire would deliver a pretty eruptive sound, but it is more of a journey through a volcanic, desolate land, searching perhaps for the centre of the volcano where the fire lies within. Mostly known for his involvement in MOTH GATHERER Swedish composer Alex Stjernfeldt creates a much bleaker and darker feel in Disillusioned Fire.
Upon the very first listen of the opening song Stones, featuring guest vocals from Tomas Liljedahl of BREACH, the influence of post-metal greats CULT OF LUNA is very clear, with the intricate layering of echoing guitars over emotionally yelled vocals it is interesting to realise NOVARUPTA is a one–man project. Towards the end of the track the vast soundscape descends into a controlled chaos as the drums speed up to reach an industrial GODFLESH resonance and the guitars become crusty and blackened, much like the volcanic land itself. Opening with gentle guitar picking developing onward with a poignant and powerful horn/trumpet like sound with subtle uplifting incandescent guitar effect in the background which develops into an anguished raw howl from Jörgen Sandström of ENTOMBED. Surging forwards through a myriad of sludgy bass but continuously shimmery guitar it depicts a poignant portrayal of despair but with lingering elements of hope. The catchy lyrics “What was never ours we laid to waste, with sinners we begin anew.” This is a sorrowful track but has a beautiful uplifting lightness in the background.
Tumskruvar has more of a melodic death metal feel with sped up guitar riffs with a muddy sound and a twangy hi-tone layered on top blended with bludgeoning bass and slow, low growls. Chugging guitars and ambient noise brings it back to the zen like ‘postyness’ and the track ascends through more shimmering guitars and very quiet melodic echoing vocals in the background which slowly build up to a crescendo of crashing drums and background howls.
Next up is Mikael Stanne of DARK TRANQUILITY who churns out vocals on Mare Tranquillitatitis. A gentle start leads into crushing blackened riffs and thunderous drumming before Stannes tortured grim and frost-bitten shrieks and howls kick in. There are more CULT OF LUNA style breakdowns amidst the gloom which drives the music forward on a sometimes monotonous sometimes tumultuous journey which effectively portrays exactly what Stjernfeldt experiences in his battle with the darkness. He states himself, “To me, this album is the painful beauty that shines through the prisms of imperfections of mankind in a world on the verge of collapse, a journey into the dark parts of the soul and mind, but also a journey of survival, realising that it is ok to feel this way, that you are stronger than you think.”
Continuing the seemingly endless journey through this desolate soundscape comes Only The Dirt Will Know Our Graves which is arguably the heaviest track of the album and brings the journey to a slow and heavy trudge which is mercifully lightened and brought to an uplifting conclusion with Ourang Medan featuring emotive vocals with a more earnest soul-searching feel from Martin Wegeland of DOMKRAFT.
Disillusioned Fire is a harrowing listen which is no surprise when discovering the album is built around the struggle of living with, surviving and rising above depression by summoning the inner fire of creativity and passion within. NOVARUPTA maintains the crushing devastation but retaining that element of lightness makes this a dynamic and emotive album with a blend of arguably ‘typical’ post metal but when met with gritty sludginess and an almost industrial sound it makes for a great amalgamation which when collaborating with such a broad collective of artists is perhaps surprisingly tight and cohesive.
Rating: 8/10
Disillusioned Fire is out now via Suicide Records.
Like NOVARUPTA on Facebook.