ALBUM REVIEW: Magisterial Romance – Constellatia
Post-metal’s broad terms of definition leave generous room for artistic liberty. A two-hour record of abstract metaphysical ramblings set to the grimiest pile of sludge the human ear can comprehend? Sure. It means that very little is expected by sitting under the umbrella term – besides quality of course. CONSTELLATIA, a bustling trio that entwines threads of black metal to the formula, and their new canvas, Magisterial Romance, fit the genre’s convention for defying convention and do so with fair efficacy. There are some rough edges, some welcome and others not, but the overall picture is grand, inspired and emotionally challenging; but is it enough?
There’s no doubt that beyond what flaws the band’s second venture presents, its strengths lie in its vulnerability. While some avenues of post-metal aim to confuse, to instigate thought or to simply decimate the ears of its listeners, CONSTELLATIA opt to play with heart strings instead of minds. It’s not perhaps what many would consider ‘heartfelt’ – unless howling banshees and blast beats often make you shed a tear – but, like many of its components, ‘tradition’ isn’t a priority. Instead, the band centre in on the use of atmospherics and the diverse spectrum of emotions they can gleam through instrumental manipulation. Across the album’s four tracks, CONSTELLATIA unfurl enlightening realms of joy, pure ecstasy, bitter romance and, in mere moments swallow the smiles in an immeasurable abyss of despair; all through masterful employment of guitar, voice and keys. As a listener, trying not to become engulfed in the band’s maelstrom of vehemence is an impossible feat, it’s easier to submit and let it drink you in.
For an album constructed of just four songs, each measuring towards the 10-minute mark, this is a redemptive point. For what it offers in emotional resonance across its entirety, Magisterial Romance offers few tangible moments from start to finish and it leaves the final result a difficult, albeit compelling, work to return to. This is partly thanks to the band’s attitude to songwriting. Like the incredibly human events these artists are painting, the tracks are organic, free-flowing – a facet that works well in its favour for the sake of authenticity – but, sadly, the lack of structure almost becomes too loose. Even for the most well-versed post-metalheads it can take a while to see the forest through the trees, especially when the trees consistently sway to the howls of vocalist Keenan Oakes, and the liberal approach to song structure only aids in allowing this work of beauty to slip from the mind.
It’s a great tragedy, too, as CONSTELLATIA get so much right. Most notably, the trio put in superb performances throughout, with specific honour to Oakes’ pipes – it’s rare for the cold shrieks of black metal to fit this well over such a clean palette. The band also received helping harmonies from HONEYMOAN vocalist Alison Rachel on Adorn, providing a glorious see-saw of angelic fragility and demonic eruption that seems in constant struggle with itself. As well as a brilliant addition to the song’s dynamic, it’s great to see the band’s sound being so beautifully handled by other musicians and there’s no doubt that this is open territory waiting to be explored through other ambitious collaborations.
The foundations are there, the canvas is striking, beautiful and worked by the deftest hands, but as it unravels its many, many layers, it’s clear there’s just a bit too much to commit to memory. CONSTELLATIA know their strengths well enough, and the worst advice would steer them away from their organic sound, but things simply need a touch more direction. You might not return to the album, but you should return to the band. There is room to grow and the band have every tool at their disposal and are well-versed in their use; it’s just a matter of time.
Rating: 6/10
Magisterial Romance is set for release on November 11th via Season Of Mist.
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