It seems rather apt that I have just returned from working in Munich when the first record I pick up was from post metal band Thraenenkind from Bavaria. This is the band’s second long player and as well as describing themselves as virtually post everything, they also promote an interest in anarchism, veganism and the critique of capitalist society.
Thraenenkind describe King Apathy as a continuation of the themes of the complex relationship between humanity, nature and the structures that we have created around us. With King Apathy the band have focussed on creating an atmosphere and lasting melancholy. I have always been a sucker for albums that take you on a journey to somewhere else and King Apathy does not fail in its promises. Right from the cover art, post rock/metal riffs and lyrics this is one huge, mournful, incredible other-worldly record that they have created. When we get records to review, often you give them a few spins, enjoy them and then move on. This record has not been off my player since the first play.
So what is it that is so special about this band and this record?
Musically this is post rock/metal at its absolute finest. Take “Vanishing Point” for example; the opening instrumental two thirds of the song could stand up to any Mogwai track, the kings of post rock. Its atmospheric, spooky. It’s simple in it structure, it is engaging; you simply want to hear what is next. The band is organic; as one being; creating an atmosphere and story beyond the lyrical realm.
Based on this, you could easily see the guys making a pure Post Rock album on their own. Another example is on the excellent “Ghosts”. It’s has a slow and typical post rock introduction. What makes this more metal than post rock is the lead guitar. It’s got a classic metal vibe and its carries the story and narrative throughout the entire length of the song. It’s wistful, and dreamlike, melancholy and clever. Mesmerising.
“Homeruiner” gives you another sample of what to expect. It begins slowly with a spoken word segment underneath the music before the song starts to burst with intensity. It is this musical ability ed with this intensity that make “Homeruiner” such a great track and is typical of the intensity and subtlety of the album as a whole.
They manage to combine post rock with a vocal style which is half scream / death metal growl and is so intense. Going back to “Vanishing Point” how they manage to transform a standalone post rock track with the addition of the vocals is quite frankly astonishing. As you do, I have tried to pull apart how they make this work. How do you add a death growl over a track two thirds the way through and make the song even better? I think, and you will find examples of this throughout the album, it is down to very clever arrangements and production.
Musically throughout King Apathy we have this melodic post metal style but very similar to punk the actual pace of the music is a lot slower than the pace and aggression displayed by the vocals. It’s not all about power it is about dynamics. To emphasise that power in the vocals, the drums mirror the aggression; are played fast and are enhanced in the mix. This gives you a situation where you have super powerful drums and vocals over the top of a band playing at slower and more melodic pace. And as I said the results are astonishing.
Every song on this album has been carefully chosen, carefully crafted. They are melancholy, well-paced and absolutely full of ion, intensity and mind blowing moments. There seriously is not a bad track on this album. The band cover a number of themes, and question our place in the world and the actions and consequences of what we do (and don’t do).
Take another favourite, “Smokestacks and Concrete Walls”; from the moment the opening riff draws you in, this is a song that is just destined for greatness. The vocals match the riff so well. It’s like they are in a battle to draw you in, in both intensity, melody and intent. Probably the riff song of the album, with an album full of them. Such a good band effort.
I could go on and on about every song on this album. I love the overall sound and production. It is Post Rock /metal yet somehow managing to give a big nod to a classic metal sound of the late 70’s / early 80’s. When we get albums to review I am always looking, I think, for a sound, atmosphere and overall albums of that period. An album that is so distinct, cohesive that it will be instantly able to transport you back to a time and a place. Trivium managed to do that on their last record and with King Apathy Thraenkind have made a record that I have been looking for all year.
Well worthy of such accolade and definitely a contender for album of the year.
King Apathy was released on May 13th
