ALBUM REVIEW: Metaphysicize – Bipolar Architecture
BIPOLAR ARCHITECTURE defy several things on Metaphysicize, their second full-length release – with expectations and labels being the main areas of their defiance. The Berlin-based collective use their members’ experience in death metal from their time in HERETIC SOUL and channel this heaviness in a way that feels disparate from their roots. The trademark screams and rapid drumming of their previous haunting grounds can still be found on Metaphysicize, but their style has transitioned from their previous projects, shifting into a much more progressive black metal area. On top of that, BIPOLAR ARCHITECTURE handpick the tried and tested elements of their previous projects and stir them together with the soundscapes of post-metal bands like RUSSIAN CIRCLES. The result of this combination is a concise yet carefully trimmed melodic soundscape that bursts with energy and emotion in equal measure.
The opening title track Metaphysicize and the follow-up Disillusioned go hand-in-hand, utilising their partnership in the sharing of drumming patterns and guitar riffs. The former opens with some slower, contemplative work from guitarists Sarp Keski and Enes Akovali before steeply ramping up proceedings, taking time for faster-paced scene setting before the pained howls from guitarist/vocalist Keski stir the melting pot further. Any immediate impressions are amplified when the sister track begins, opening with the familiar melodic tones of its predecessor and respecting its climactic energy and speed, but taking the darker path that runs in parallel.
The juxtaposition between the haunting guitar work and the raw vocals is as jarring as it is effective, creating a stark sound that achieves its goals with the same competency as their genre-defying stablemates AMENRA. This comparison can be particularly heard in the vocal songwriting of tracks like Death Of The Architect and Dysphoria; unlike AMENRA, BIPOLAR ARCHITECTURE largely shy away from clean vocals, but their fervour for exploring the concept of existentialism with blackened vocals is equally as gripping as their peers.
There are moments on this release that feel a little too close in proximity to each other, which somewhat hampers the magic of their achievement. This could be considered to be a dedication to thematic reprisal, but it is difficult not to view this as an over-reliance on their (albeit excellent) formula. Thankfully, tracks like Kaygi and Alienated swoop in to turn up the ‘technical metal’ dial, further proving the well-honed skills of Keski and co.
The formula that BIPOLAR ARCHITECTURE have devised with their songwriting serves them well for the vast majority of Metaphysicize. Where their formula truly proves itself is with its wide appeal – fans of previous death metal projects of theirs will likely find something to enjoy here, while their boundaries are pushed far into black metal and shoegaze territory to tempt fans of DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT or ALCEST. While there are moments that become somewhat indistinguishable when viewed holistically, Metaphysicize is an interesting surprise that mostly holds up to subsequent listens.
Rating: 7/10
Metaphysicize is set for release on February 2nd via Pelagic Records.
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