ALBUM REVIEW: The Cataclysm – Coldbones

There has been a distinct rise in the amount of instrumental bands emerging in recent years as an abundance of wild and elaborate conceptual pieces have stolen the hearts of many a post-rock and progressive music enthusiast. Hoping to provide the same impact is Kent based trio COLDBONES who are due to to drop their sophomore album and follow-up to the highly praised Where It All Began entitled The Cataclysm which is due for release on April 17th via Dunk! Records. Will this effort bring them one step closer to the top of the pile?

The Flooding Of The World commences with a warm, floating introduction. Gliding guitar melodies are introduced in a minimalist fashion that is enticing and evokes emotion. Punchy, darker tones make their way into the arrangement towards the latter stages. The bar has been set intriguingly high. Collapse lets buoyant bass lines do the talking as subtle atmospherics sneak in. As the track gathers momentum the energy levels begin to build, utilising vibrant riffing. Tide is a fitting title as it ebbs and flows in waves. Pulsing drum beats form the backbone of this piece alongside gentle, swarming guitar work.

Cleanse continues the conservative, soothing pace with neatly timed instrumentation slotting into place like a well oiled machine. Tempting lead work washes over to add a further dynamic to the mix. The acoustic tones take centre stage as Ascend provides another extract of escapism and this sentiment spills over into The Burning Of The Earth. Dramatic drumming supplements the drifting, sparse riff segments. As the track progresses it continues to evolve and take shape, culminating in a burst of vivid melody. Ruin possesses a melancholy demeanour as echoing tones cascade throughout, tugging you back and forth as the tempo shifts and the energy begins to gush out of the track.

Consume lures you in with its inviting embrace before snapping into some intense guitar work. Tasteful atmospherics encapsulate the track, immersing you in its splendour. Hinterlands follows a similar path with its serene prose that suddenly sparks into life and smothers you in a sea of uplifting tones. As the climax draws near Extinct ups the ante with potent drumming and a dramatic soundscape that segues into further flourishes of bright riffing. A powerful excerpt from Lord Byron sends shivers down your spine and is a perfect accompaniment to the simmering tension and ends the album on an emphatic note.

Considering the compositions are purely instrumental throughout the duration of The Cataclysm, the record evokes a wide range of thoughts and emotions from the listener which is a testament to how well structured this release really is. The layers are so intricate and well executed that COLDBONES take you on an exhilarating journey which will have you in their grasp from beginning to end. The talented trio have created a true post-rock gem and it would be criminal to overlook it.

Rating: 9/10

The Cataclysm is set for release on April 17th via Dunk! Records. 

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