ALBUM REVIEW: Massive Disturbed Meta Art – Stömb
During their tenure, French instrumentalists STÖMB have grown an avid following by continually pushing the boundaries of their sound and showing a mindblowing level of experimentation. They had their opportunity to play previous effort From Nihil live cruelly robbed from them as a result of the pandemic so following the release of the incoming Massive Disturbed Meta Art on March 17h via Klonosphere Records they are more hungry and determined than ever to get back out into the world.
The Realm Of Delirium combines crushing grooves with immersive atmospherics to get this release off to a flying start. The haunting operatic vocals courtesy of the enigmatic Laure Le Prunenec add another exciting layer to this captivating tapestry. Sidereal Lucid Dreamer keeps the momentum flowing with eccentric hooks and a distinct ebbing and flowing tension which surrounds the track. The dynamic shifts in tempo are jarring yet invigorating. Kaleïdoscope harnesses a fascinating level of minimalism that is particularly unnerving, like you’re waiting for it to strike at a moment’s notice. As expected, the syncopated assault rears its head but the anticipation only aids in elevating this breathtaking piece of artistry.
The Extantrasy hits you with a frantic whirlwind of unpredictable dissonance and emphatic synths which are entrancing to experience. The hefty hooks are undeniably effective. Meta Art offers up a vast array of moods and tones as it progresses. From blissful saxophone passages delivered by the masterful Jørgen Munkeby, to waves of adrenaline fuelled riffing, this piece feels like pure escapism. It just effortlessly seeps through your bloodstream. Just when you think STÖMB couldn’t possibly have any more tricks up their sleeves, along comes In The Eye Of Aghemahra. Transitioning through a dark, ominous introductory sequence to utterly visceral levels of heaviness, there is nowhere to hide from the chaotic savagery which unfolds.
An Absence Of Sun feels like a welcome respite after what has just occurred. Peaceful, soothing synths that exude a warming Stranger Things type vibe fill the air. Don’t get too complacent though as a resurgence of monstrous riffs is just over the horizon. Of Absolute White also adopts that brutish mentality by sustaining the ferocity. The drumming on this track works wonders in impressively conducting this wild orchestra. The Altered is equally as unrelenting. Jackhammer-like drum beats pummel your eardrums with zero remorse. The layering feels quite dense and at times bewildering to navigate – but that is all part of the fun. By the time Transcendence surfaces you become somewhat anxious of what could be in store. The opening segment eases you in with graceful subtleties that provide the foundations for the building bricks which follow. The colourful melodies (especially in the sublime leadwork unleashed by Quentin Godet) which cascade throughout are a joy to behold. A triumphant conclusion to one hell of a journey.
Massive Disturbed Meta Art is a staggering feat of musicianship. There are so many incredible elements crammed into each track that it is impossible to let your attention waiver. STÖMB effortlessly lure you in for the entire duration with their phenomenal blend of genre defying styles which really have to be experienced first hand to fully appreciate. Whilst the world of instrumental metal may be deemed as a niche, it is about time that the world opened their eyes to this magnificent collective.
Rating: 10/10
Massive Disturbed Meta Art is out now via Klonosphere Records.
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