Cthulhu Dreamt – Precursor
Release Date: 20th January 2023
Label: Self Released
Bandcamp
Genre: Progressive Metal, Death Metal, Djent.
FFO: Gojira, Northlane, Between the Buried and Me.
Review By: Jason James
Minnesota natives Cthulhu Dreamt summon forth their new release, Precursor.
First, the good news. There’s nothing here that’s bad. There are some high moments and some interesting moments. At the end of track 5, Euclidean Fields, just when you think the song is over, it explodes back into life…and then abruptly ends. The choral tracks are well put together. The remixes are good representations of their respective genres. The artwork on the sleeve notes is inventive and high quality.
Now, I would like to preface the following critique by saying this. I have no problem with a band having a bit of fun with a release, especially one that is so obviously meant to be taken as a precursor (the clue is in the name), showing off some new tracks as well as some experimental interpretations of their earlier work by other artists. But there is too much to digest here, unfortunately. The output flits from one genre to another, not really giving any potential new listeners an idea of what Cthulhu Dreamt actually do. Do they usually just produce the more metal elements of the EP, or are there always choral interludes included? Is this EP an indication that they want to branch out? Does the whole band sing together like a choir, or does the lead singer just layer his voice multiple times in the studio? How does that work on tour if it’s the latter?
There isn’t quite enough of anything to get your teeth into. If you’re looking for electronic music, there’s a track or two for you. If you like their style of metal (I do), there are a few tracks for you. If you’re into choral arrangements, it’s good, but why would you be looking to this band to provide that? There’s a track called (Thar Sands) Obelus that has a sort of ‘Arabian’ feel. The result is a hodgepodge of sound, not really achieving anything, which I feel does nothing to further the legacy of the band.
I love to mix genres and I have an eclectic taste in music, but this sort of feels thrown together to appease fans waiting for the next release. I feel this band has a lot to offer, but I think they have muddied the waters with this release. Existing fans don’t really need it, and new listeners will most likely just be confused by it.
(2.5 / 5)
