ALBUM REVIEW: Seven Pathways To Annihilation – Howling Sycamore

HOWLING SYCAMORE is a name that has been garnering ever more weight over the past couple of years. A super group of sorts, the band formed with the intention of fusing together a cacophony of sonic angles, and infiltrate the respective genres with an innovative, eye-opening playing style. As this many spoked wheel begins to gain traction, they are already set to release their second album Seven Pathways To Annihilation, an ambitious outing that teems with both contemporary ideas and classic intonation in wonderful parallel. The band have their roots firmly fixed in projects such as OBSCURA and GOSPEL OF THE WITCHES, a diverse history that poses an interesting question; what will the outcome be, once all these loose ends are tied?

As we are pondering the many possible outcomes that Seven Pathways To Annihilation could present, the album begins to take shape with Mastering Fire, quickly detailing the approach that HOWLING SYCAMORE have opted for. Powerful, prog rock vocals become the first noticeable trait, as they hurtle above the mix emphatically. Distorted riffs ride along hauntingly, while OBSCURA-esque drums add a more extreme metal edge. This formula continues into Departure, where fully-grown soundscapes are constructed with dexterous finesse. Careful not to become too overpowering, HOWLING SYCAMORE fluctuate between intense passages and more delicate intersections, where the textures shine through the most, reflective of the skilled musicianship at hand.

By the time we reach Initiation, we are beginning to gain a good understanding of what HOWLING SYCAMORE are all about. This 8-minute colossus feels powerful and carries a hefty intensity, rarely stopping for breath as it progresses. Devilish screams pierce the soaring vocals, and dissonant chords ensure that the album doesn’t lose it’s sinister edge. This is in keeping with the lyrical themes, which do not hold back in their quest to paint hostile, brutal imagery linked to shamanic and metaphysical principles. This transpires into the dark nature of the music, which carries a similar annihilating purpose by design.

Although some of the music HOWLING SYCAMORE have created feels neatly implemented, it can feel a little drawn out at times. The balance works well in shorter tracks such as Second Sight and Raw Bones, but once the run times reach ten minutes plus in Sorcerer, some of the vigour becomes lost and it feels a little sparse. It’s clever, well constructed and unique, but overall the album doesn’t carry the same fluid draw from cover to cover. That doesn’t mean to say that tracks like Tempest’s Chant aren’t great examples of modern metal. Here we encounter more prog hooks, more distorted riffs, and HOWLING SYCAMORE are able to show exactly where there motives lie.

As a whole, Seven Pathways To Annihilation is a thought provoking listen, carrying the correct mannerisms of an album destined to shock and impress. In places it almost feels uncomfortable, while being weighed down by blackened guitar and the constant drumming onslaught. It’s clear that as a collective, HOWLING SYCAMORE are well accustomed to writing expansive music, and in having pulled together their collective expertise, they have resulted in a sound that will ensure that those whispers of their existence continue to spread.

Rating: 7/10

Seven Pathways To Annihilation is set for release June 21st via Prosthetic Records. 

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