Múr – Múr
Release Date: 22nd November 2024
Label: Century Media
Bandcamp
Genre: Progressive Metal, Death Metal, Post-Metal, Post-Rock.
FFO: Opeth, Meshuggah, Devin Townsend Project, Gojira, Alcest.
Review By: Ceta
Iceland has always given us interesting bands, and now it seems it is time for the underground scene to introduce us to intriguing progressive metal acts. Enter Múr, a band with a fascinating approach that defies categorization. Yes, their sound is progressive and melancholic, but it also incorporates a significant amount of death metal arrangements. It’s not something you encounter every day!
You might be deceived by the opening track into thinking this album is some kind of Katatonia-inspired prog. However, that’s not the case, as the album transitions from softer ideas to djent-like riffing, which I found somewhat challenging to reconcile with the more sensitive tracks. It’s certainly not a dull mix, keeping me engaged throughout the album’s entirety. Broadly speaking, I would divide Múr’s music into two types: the long, epic tracks that showcase the band’s full potential, and the shorter, aggressive tracks that act as intense interludes. This structure is unusual, to say the least, but undeniably unique.
As I mentioned, I struggled to fully understand how all the tracks come together. I believe a bit more thematic cohesion could benefit the band’s future work. That said, there’s no denying the intriguing elements at play here. In my opinion, Múr shines brightest when exploring their melancholic side. However, the more death metal-oriented sections of the album felt less compelling. Even so, this is far from just another average album, and I believe many listeners will find Múr fresh and exciting.
So, if you want to immerse yourself in a different Scandinavian experience—neither purely death nor black metal—I think Múr has crafted something worthwhile for you. It might require a few listens to fully appreciate, but the band’s potential is undeniable, and I’m genuinely curious to see where they go next. Especially now, as the dark winter settles over the north, albums like this will prove invaluable for enduring the long and gloomy days ahead. Múr can definitely earn a spot on your playlist for a crushing winter.
(3.5 / 5)
