Vipassi – Lightless
Release Date: 26th January 2024
Label: Season of Mist
Bandcamp
Genre: Progressive Metal, Instrumental, Extreme Metal.
FFO: Ne Obliviscaris, Psygnosis, Beyond Creation, First Fragment.
Review By: Carlos Tirado
If you caught a glimpse of my top ten albums for 2023, Ne Obliviscaris would have undoubtedly stood out. I’ll admit it – I’m a bit of a fanboy when it comes to its work. So, when Vipassi released their first EP in 2016, my anticipation was palpable. However, there was a certain element missing from that release. While it showcased impressive musicianship and intriguing songwriting, the absence of vocals and heavier tones left me somewhat hesitant to fully embrace it. Nevertheless, here I am, years later, giving its latest work, Lightless, a fair chance.
In an unusual twist, “relaxing” aptly describes the essence of Lightless. Despite the typical polyrhythmic, intense arrangements characteristic of Progressive Death Metal, there’s a contemplative quality, perhaps attributed to its polished production or the absence of vocals. The album transports you to the heart of the Australian desert, sitting amidst the vastness, gazing at the stars by the warmth of a fire (hopefully, one would dress more appropriately than the figures on the album’s cover art).
While guitars and bass engage in a compelling dialogue, the standout element is the drums. Their density contributes substantial heaviness to the tracks, providing a necessary counterbalance to the soft melodic undertones. They provide a sense of drama and urgency reminiscent of Ne Obliviscaris or Psygnosis. Undoubtedly, Morningstar and Phainesthai emerge as the album’s highlights, where Vipassi‘s evocative and mystical intentions come to the forefront.
However, Lightless is not without its critiques. There’s a lingering lack of severity in their sounds, failing to deliver the impactful punch I yearn for in extreme metal. It’s an unusual paradox – an album within the realm of extreme metal that leans towards relaxation. Occasionally, certain tracks, like Promethea, tend to overstay their welcome, drifting into repetitive territory. As a staunch believer that metal shouldn’t serve as mere background music, there are moments when Lightless feels like the perfect accompaniment to a task more pressing than fully immersing oneself in its top-notch musicianship.
In essence, Lightless serves as an excellent entry point for friends inclined towards extreme music but not yet accustomed to the grit of growling vocals. While it grapples with some common pitfalls of Progressive Metal, for the uninitiated, it offers a welcoming initiation into the genre.
(3 / 5)
