Friday, November 29, 2024

Full Length Review: Qaalm "Grave Impressions of an Unbroken Arc" (Hypaethral Records) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Qaalm
Location: Los Angeles, California
Country: USA
Genre: Blackened doom, atmospheric prog death
Format: Digital, limited edition vinyl, limited edition CD
Release date: November 1, 2024
Released just shy of a month ago from LA California's own is the latest by Qaalm. This band has memorable moments on their latest album that are often missed when it comes to making a superior doom Metal epic with serious attention to the vocals and guitars/drums as if it sounds like the last record they will ever make. With epic songwriting comes the structure of a song and it is here on their lengthy tracks that they explore just that. They don’t push the same at you but different stances on each moment of their songs that leave the listener wondering what will happen next. I really dig the clean vocals with the screaming ones. It’s is a trip of atmosphere they intend to put you in. For fans of Asunder, Mastadon and Baroness, these guys maintain an excellent feel throughout this journey and do so the only way they can and that’s by drawing you in with their stellar performances.
A progressive feat of sorts this band is determined to entice the listener with their many layers and compositions. It takes time to listen to this one and to fully digest. I would have to say my favorite track is Shadows Behind the Sun. That guitar solo 9 minutes into the track just does it for me. With Qaalm, expect the unexpected! -Daniel Ryan

Lineup:
Henry Derek Elis: Vocals, lead and rhythm guitars
Minsu Dylan Kim: Lead and rhythm guitars
Dave Ferrara: Drums

Track list:
1. Borderlands
2. Shadows Behind The Sun
3. King Of Contradiction
4. Hangman's Lament

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