ALBUM REVIEW: The Shape Of Fluidity – Dool

DOOL have been making waves for a while now but their new album The Shape Of Fluidity could and should be the album that takes the fast-rising Dutch band to another level with its vast and majestic nature in all its forms. This is kaleidoscopic music that takes in sublimely beautiful parts, much heavier parts and so much more in between and the results are both soaring and breathtaking, with DOOL on captivating form throughout.

From the immediate opening salvo of Venus In Flames, The Shape Of Fluidity takes a hold of you and doesn’t let you go until the last notes of majestic album closer The Hand Of Creation ring out. And everything in between sounds just as good as DOOL take you on a vast musical journey with songs like Self Dissect and Evil In You brilliantly demonstrating the band’s skill as musicians and songwriters. The truly beautiful and melancholy House Of A Thousand Dreams is possibly the crown jewel on an album packed full of goodness, with its surges of power elevating the track phenomenally, all the while retaining that beautiful feel to it.

The Shape Of Fluidity is an aptly named album as the band’s music flows freely and takes on a multitude of different styles as it goes on. None of it sounds out of place though and the whole album gels together in perfect harmony. The members of DOOL give the performances of their career so far, with the stunning range of vocals of Raven van Dorst supremely complimented by the rest of the band. You can tell that this is what the rest of the musical output of DOOL has been leading up to, and the results do not disappoint in any way, shape or form. The lyrics are also very inspiring and mark something very personal for the vocalist and the way that they are delivered makes it all the more special. It all adds up to a stunning listening experience, and it is an experience more than anything.

With an appearance forthcoming at this year’s Damnation Festival – as well as at Roadburn just as the album drops – DOOL are going to show a hell of a lot of people the power of their music. Really, the only bad thing about this album is when it ends, but that, of course, is just another perfect opportunity to play it again and again. Even though it is only April, it feels safe to say that you will struggle to find another album this year that has the majestic nature and epic qualities of The Shape Of Fluidity, and it’s all wrapped up in everything that makes DOOL such a special band.

Rating: 9/10

The Shape Of Fluidity is out now via Prophecy Productions.

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