DAWN OF OUROBOROS Velvet Incandescence
Two years in the past, Daybreak of Ouroboros launched The Artwork of Morphology to large vital acclaim, with the California natives getting props for bringing melodic components to the usually asymphonic world of black metallic. Now, in 2023, they’ve returned with their sophomore effort, Velvet Incandescence, they usually proceed to marry components of the symphonic and the progressive with black metallic, leading to a kinetic sonic growth that is positive to please die-hard metallic followers.
If nothing else, vocalist Chelsea Murphy has vary. Murphy goes from the spritely and ethereal (“Velvet Moon”) to the uncooked and downright nasty (“Rise from Disillusion”) with little situation. Sonically, too, the album is combined fairly expertly, with seamless transitions between the tracks that offers Velvet incandescence an almost-cinematic really feel.
The standout observe, after all, is the lugubrious, searing “Testudines,” which additionally served because the third single off the file. And it is the inspiration for this observe, particularly, that may blow metallic followers away, as Daybreak of Ouroboros co-founder (and lead guitarist) Tony Thomas says that the band borrowed from greater than a bit little bit of jazz music when fascinated by every part from the music construction to Murphy‘s supply.
“The entire band exhibits off our means to play at excessive tempos whereas conserving our music construction melodic and coherent. Vocally, Chelsea makes use of a number of types to point out off her abilities. Along with her use of her signature black metallic shrieks, brutal lows, in addition to her robust sense of melody along with her clear singing. That is one we undoubtedly can’t need to carry out dwell!” he said in a statement about its release.
But, for all of its sonic variety, Daybreak of Ouroboros by no means sounds disjointed or in any other case messy on Velvet Incandescence. Murphy‘s voice is clear and well-trained, and the band as a unit is tighter than a snare drum (which is, maybe, unsurprising, on condition that the band is collectively staffed with heavy metallic veterans on the 21st-century scene). And whereas definitely removed from excellent, the band is not afraid to embrace potential progress.
Granted, black metallic purists will in all probability discover their justifiable share of criticisms with Velvet Incandescence, as it’s absolutely not a “pure” black metallic album. However for many who can placed on their headphones and easily take pleasure in a rockin’ good time, Daybreak of Ouroboros greater than delivers whereas avoiding the sophomore hunch.
