Darius – Murmuration
Release Date: 3rd May 2024
Label: Humus Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Post-Metal, Post-Rock, Post-Hardcore.
FFO: Russian Circles, Pelican, Breach, 65daysofstatic, Cult of Luna.
Review By: Andy Spoon
If you like intensity, drama, and a healthy lack of lyrical/vocal content, you really ought to spin Murmuration, by Swiss post-metal outfit Darius, a 6-track LP that bridges the gap between bands like Dvne and 65daysofstatic, a real treat for fans of instrumental noisy rock. Murmuration is set to be released on humus records on May 3rd, 2023.
The growling, overdriven basslines, the tonal effect of stereo mixing left to right, the plate-reverb drums tracks, and the swelling crescendos are merely the first phase of Darius’ May 3rd release, Murmuration. The entirety of the LP is 6 tracks, meaning that each offering is going to eclipse the 5+ minute mark, something that I’ve always been a fan of. Long tracks allow artists to develop moods, ebb and flow with the sonic journey intended by the artist, and create soundscapes that transport the listener into the mind of the artist – at least a little better than shorter tracks.
When it comes to the instrumental scene, I have generally had mixed feelings about the nature of certain genres and subgenres. I have expanded my repertoire in recent years as I learned that being a fan of the “parent” genre doesn’t necessarily mean that I was going to like the instrumental offerings from the same. In a roundabout way, I took a new approach, starting to open up genres by their instrumental records, and only then looking into the main “scene”. Post-Metal is easy for me, as I’m a fan of almost all metal. I think that certain artists really carry the instrumental scene through their intense use of atmosphere – including bands like Explosions in the Sky, Adebesi Shank, 65daysofstatic, This Will Destroy You, and And So I Watch You From Afar.
The issue with instrumental rock is that it often tends to appeal to the few who want material from the specific genre, as well as an atmospheric deviation from vocal/lyrical content. I’ve stated before that only a few bands bridge the gap in which a new listener could get into the band as well as the genre just by listening to the instrumental band. I happen to think that Darius is one of those rare bands who has absolutely given music lovers a reason to get into the heavy noise rock genre and approach more instrumental offerings through their clever use of minimalism-to-maximalism musical phrases, heavy grooves that get your head banging, and the “fuzzy” and overdriven feel that oozes intensity.
Numerous tracks on the album left me gasping for more, as the grooves and breakdowns were absolutely-satisfying and totally grin-inducing. If you like the dynamic flow of Explosions in the Sky, I’d like you to imagine that same type of energy, but turn the energy up about 300%. There are loads of crescendo moments, lulls, and transitions, but they all seem to imbue an intensity that doesn’t get below “level 5/10” in noise and energy. I like to think of Murmuration as a musical stimulant, intensifying whatever mood is currently occupying me. If it’s negative, there is a dynamic angst to the music. If the mood is cheerful, I felt energetic and full of positive anxiety, almost like the way extreme sports can get your blood racing.
Overall, I really enjoyed Murmuration and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who’s a fan of the heavy rock genre, Cult of Luna-esque bands, Dvne, and even crossover artists like Explosions In the Sky, as there is so much in the layered content to digest. It’s one of the first instrumental rock albums that I’ve spun on repeat for a couple of years, which is saying something, as I don’t habitually seek out these acts myself. I think that missing out on this would be a real shame if you want a great Spring 2024 headbanger album.
(4 / 5)
