Rapid Fire Reviews: Pallbearer, Zeal & Ardor, Anna Von Hausswolff

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 Forgotten Days - Pallbearer

The doom metal band is back in action 3 years after a record that divided fans and critics. While I liked it quite a bit the band heard the criticism apparently and returned to a bit of a stricter interpretation of their doom metal mixed with elements of stoner metal sound. With a handful of compositions that run between 4 and 12 minutes I think the band makes an impact the right way but never really brings it home. Nowhere on this record are compositions with as compelling builds as so many of my favorite doom metal records of old. While the band doesn't do much wrong on the record I also don't see it as anything necessary for metal fans to hear this year. 5.5/10



Wake Of A Nation EP - Zeal & Ardor
The bands first release of new material since wowing everyone with 2018's Stranger Fruit came on the back of three singles and features 6 tracks with a wide range of influence. While many of the socially conscious themes persist across the EP sonically the songs here jump between Deafheaven and Algiers at will. The blend isn't too jarring even if the tracklist order isn't doing it any favors. Ultimately the collection of songs are energetic and well written with a unique flare that reminds us all why the band turned so many heads a few years ago. 7/10



All Thoughts Fly - Anna Von Hausswolff
2 years after her most widely acclaimed release to date Anna continues to alter her sound with an instrumental album. The pipe organ has never been more essential to her music than on this record and some of the longer compositions present drawn out but ultimately rewarding compositional moments that I enjoy quite a bit. While this isn't the insane blurring of genres she has been known to pull off the record has a very distinct sound that rewards listeners throughout. While there aren't any moments that necessarily blow me away on the record there is also a great foundation upon which all these tracks are built that elevates everything on it. 7/10


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