EP REVIEW: Distant Glow – Artificial Language

California’s progressive metal maestros ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE firmly planted themselves on the map with the exemplary Now We Sleep back in 2019 and just when they were seemingly at the peak of their powers they faded into the periphery. It has felt like a long five years but we are now on the cusp of their eagerly awaited follow-up entitled Distant Glow, which hits the airwaves on March 22nd. Will they pick up where they left off?

Two Faced Star hops right back into the majestic, melodic technicality we have grown to love from the talented collective. Vibrant vocal verses and rounds of rousing riffs provide an infectious, colourful soundscape. Rain Follows follows suit with plentiful theatricality amongst hefty hooks. Combining complexity with accessibility is no easily achievable objective but it has become second nature to ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE.

Stranded keeps the momentum confidently flowing with an upbeat, punchy demeanour. Splashes of heaviness scattered around the graceful clean tones assist in offering a broad pallet to their artistry. House Of Hoarded Sands allows the band to fully flex their creative prowess as twisting and turning instrumental segments take centre stage. Skinwalker veers down a dark, shadowy path which is not all that familiar in the band’s previous entries. It is much welcomed however as their style is well-suited to the intense, dramatic nature this side of the spectrum possesses. Some intriguing food for thought for what we may come to witness in the future.

Whilst only clocking in at 20 minutes in length, Distant Glow is generously filled with addictive experimentation that will continue to impress after multiple listens. ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE have definitely found that sweet spot with this release; hopefully whatever comes next doesn’t keep us anxiously waiting for another five years.

Rating: 9/10

Distant Glow is set for release on March 22nd via self-release.

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