ALBUM REVIEW: World Maker – Psychonaut
Post-metal powerhouse PSYCHONAUT have shone brightly throughout their career thus far, with 2018’s Unfold The God Man and 2022’s Violate Consensus Reality both receiving high praise. Their third full-length effort World Maker was initially planned to be a guiding light to guitarist/vocalist Stefan De Graef‘s newborn son, however, their focus was abruptly shifted when both Stefan and bassist/vocalist Thomas Michiels tragically lost their fathers to cancer. With such life-altering events firmly etched in their minds World Maker became representative of a much broader scope of emotions.
The opening key sequences to World Maker are utterly enthralling. As it transports you to a world of vibrancy and colour, you are greeted by the beautiful, soaring vocal work that further amplifies the immersive soundscape. Endless Currents is where PSYCHONAUT begin to flex their technical prowess. Expertly woven layers of intricate instrumentation continue the wealth of escapism on display. You Are The Sky lets dynamic drum rhythms lead the way as the intensity and urgency begin to progressively build. The way that such an array of moving parts effortlessly slot into place is mesmerizing. Everything Else Is Just The Weather opts for a calmer, composed pacing. Crystal clear notes ring through the air, firmly maintaining your gaze. Cleverly assembled vocal ensembles glide gracefully atop the composition.
And You Came With Searing Light initially commences with a warm, embracing mood that transitions into growing waves of complexity and aggression as it takes form. Commanding growling bursts add a sharp edge to proceedings. Origins stretches its experimental wings, introducing an alluring array of tabla drum work and ethereal vocal swells to craft an engaging offering. All In Time keeps the creative juices flowing freely as dramatic, heavy flourishes add intriguing twists and turns along the way.
Stargazer spoils you with spine-tingling swathes of melody intertwined with emphatic spells of weighty riffing. Powerful screams trade places with peaceful vocal passages. All Was Quiet is perfect proof that this talented trio does not require a sprawling runtime to devise an all-encompassing epic. Plentiful emotions are exhibited in this brief but fascinating piece. Endless Erosion will leave you in a state of awe with its lush licks and striking stylistic shifts. A befitting closing track for a spellbinding outing.
With the ever-decreasing attention span of the average music listener, it can be bold to assume that an album of such length will sustain interest for the duration, but what is so masterful about World Maker is that there are so many vivid textures at play that time blissfully glides by as you are appreciating the magnitude of its construction. PSYCHONAUT have continued to criminally fly under the radar despite their impressive output. If there is any justice remaining in the world this will finally be their time to shine and reap the benefits of their inspiring artistry. The fact this release excelled in such heartbreaking circumstances is even more of a triumph.
Rating: 9/10
World Maker is out now via Pelagic Records.
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