Release date: 15th January 2019
Descension is the debut EP from Norwegian post-metal/prog-doom band Through The Canopy, and for a two-track release it definitely packs a punch. Formed in the tail end of 2016, it’s clear that the band has taken its time in ensuring they had a solid EP before releasing it into the world (it was even mastered in Abbey Road by Sean Magee!) and subsequently means that Descension is a meaningful and immersive listen.
Setting the scene with first track Seven Days, the song slowly gathers momentum as it progresses from a proggy sound into a sludgier piece with the addition of more instruments, and becomes crushingly heavy as the song continues. The vocals seem a little forced in some points, however – the abrasive and the half-yelled approach in parts don’t quite fit with the rest of the track’s mood, but the accompanying deeper, more mysterious vocals peppered about the piece feel like a better fit.
Second track Illusions Lost is the stronger of the two. Although it begins by following the same format as the other, with the song slowly building up and more texture being added as the song plays, there’s a little more to it. There’s more intricacies, especially in the lead guitar line, and the soft stripped-back section in the middle of the song adds another dimension to it all. Additionally, the guitar solo at 7:30 kicks ass; it may not be the most complex or showy, but it really fits the mood and vibe of the track perfectly.
Descension is a good, solid starting point for Through The Canopy and shows a lot of promise to the band. There’s nothing that quite sets Through The Canopy apart from the crowd, but the three members clearly have a great deal of skill and everything about the EP is very sound. Needless to say, it will be interesting to follow this band on their journey and see how they progress from here.
7/10
