It's been a long time since I've mentioned aspects like presentation and packaging... But the promos I got from ConSouling Sounds deserve one. Not just because of their clean feel and look, the packaging format is quite new to me: an oversized 3-panel cardboard sleeve, limited to 1000 copies. Like I said, it looks professional, but the CD is loose in there, and the heightened sleeve doesn't fit between my CD shelves. Anyway, I got one of those 1000 copies - let's hope that by the end of the review, I'll (still) be honored to.
The promosheet states that the lack of a defined style is Exxasens' main appeal, but since they're obliged to stick on something: post-rock/post-metal is the name of the game. Post-metal summons up images of Amenra and Isis here, but Exxasens is something quite different (with the exception of some riffs, which seem to share the same ancestors). Perhaps atmospheric rock would be a tad more appropriate, but is doesn't really matter. "Beyond the Universe" is all about ethereal vocals (if any), guitars reverberating, and drums tapping along. The project focuses lyrically on the infinity of outer space and related human achievements and explorations. What Exxasens achieves musically is simply a realization of the lyrics: every track is like watching a dream drift by from a nameless, spacious place. This album is the diary of a journey through an immense soundscape, invoking both adrenaline-pumping awe and peaceful bliss. The only danger is that, after the full 50 minutes, you might return home a bit weary or disappointed; the longer the journey takes, the more the different episodes start resembling eachother.
All in all, after a first sold-out 2008 release, Exxasens appears to deliver the goods once more. Most likely an inspiring album for every post-rock fan, and for those who can appreciate influences of ambient, post-metal, and late Anathema.
Comments
There are no comments yet
AUTHOR: Goran
Goran has been an active reviewer for years (since the old Fishcomcollective, to the brand new Corazine - and also for Face Your Underground). He enjoys - besides metal - the creative side of life, be it through music, sports, programming or 3D. You can find him at www.myspace.com/fdemets.