ALBUM REVIEW: Magna Mater – Mother Of Millions
After an impressive series of three full-length releases, Greek progressive metal purveyors MOTHER OF MILLIONS return with Magna Mater, an album that sees the band pushing their sound in a bigger, more ambitious direction. This record marks a significant evolution for the group, blending their signature progressive metal style with a more expansive, dynamic approach. Magna Mater is a mature and cohesive document of a band at the peak of their creative powers, taking bold risks and achieving new heights.
One of the most striking elements of Magna Mater is how MOTHER OF MILLIONS have managed to step out from the shadows of their forefathers, crafting a unique sound that sets them apart in the progressive metal scene. While their influences remain evident, this album sees the band exploring new territory, adding layers of complexity and intensity to their music. This is evident from the opening track Inside, which begins with a few seconds of ambient noise before erupting into a powerful onslaught of guitar riffs, pounding drums and complex bass lines. George Prokopiou‘s soaring vocals cut through the mix, commanding attention with a performance that is both emotionally charged and technically impressive. The track sets the tone for the rest of the album, with its mix of bone-crunching heaviness and melodic nuance.
The band’s technical proficiency is on full display throughout Magna Mater. Songs like Feral showcase Panos Proftis‘ bass-driven grooves, which are perfectly complemented by Kostas Konstantinidis‘ distorted, detuned guitar riffs and George Boukaouris‘ hard-hitting drumming. Feral is a massive track filled with swirling energy, constantly shifting between aggressive riffs and more restrained, atmospheric moments. This dynamic interplay between heaviness and melody is a hallmark of the album, particularly in tracks like the blistering Celestial and the haunting Halo. The latter stands out for its thumping, almost funky bassline, which contrasts with the syncopated guitar work and breakbeat-inspired drumming, creating a track that is both rhythmically complex and undeniably catchy.
The title track, Magna Mater, and the semi-epic Irae serve as the centrepiece of the album. Both tracks are filled with the kind of post- and progressive metal tropes that fans of the genre will appreciate. They demand the listener’s full attention, slowly revealing their complex layers and emotional depth over repeated listens. While these tracks may seem overwhelming at first, they are essential to the album’s overall narrative and thematic cohesion, offering a more multi-dimensional portrait of MOTHER OF MILLIONS‘ evolving sound.
The Line is another standout, beginning with blurry atmospherics before building into a taut, post-rock-infused anthem. The song ebbs and flows between moments of restrained tension and explosive release, making for a captivating listening experience. Closing track Space is the shortest song on the album but leaves a lasting impression. Emerging from a bed of ambient textures, it gradually builds into a melancholic, post-rock-influenced piece, perfectly capturing the album’s blend of beauty and intensity.
One of the key strengths of Magna Mater is its production. The album is expertly mixed, with each instrument given its own space in the soundscape. The drums, in particular, are punchy and upfront, while Prokopiou‘s vocals are layered just above the guitars, bass and synths, allowing his voice to shine without overpowering the instrumentation. This careful balance between elements helps to create a sound that is both powerful and immersive.
In conclusion, Magna Mater is a logical next step for MOTHER OF MILLIONS, standing on par with anything they have released previously but offering a more authoritative and musically restless experience. The album not only showcases the band’s technical skill but also highlights their willingness to explore new territories, making it a must-listen for fans of progressive metal and beyond.
Rating: 9/10
Magna Mater is set for release on October 4th via ViciSolum Productions.
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