The trajectory of the Greek sludge/post-metal unit Allochiria’s career started pretty long ago in 2008. To this day, they have released a self-titled EP and three full-length LPs to note. While being strong on post-metal coded slow-paced progressions, they also incorporate a touch of hardcore nuance manifested by how vocalist Irene presents inclement blackened growls on their songs. And, so, they are back on releasing a full-length, which is also their third one, titled Commotion via Venerate Industries.
Over the years, Allochiria’s music has been compared to many names quintessential to the post-metal scene, such as Neurosis, Amenra, ISIS, and Cult of Luna. They have also had chances playing alongside other great names in the scene such as Amenra, Deafheaven, and Altar of Plagues.
Overall, the sonic highways that Allochiria has to deliver appear to be emotional, intense, and heavy. They are also a band with high compassion towards humanitarian issues, with lyrical themes surrounding the state of humans as social beings, modern society-bound corruption, as well as pain and struggle. They mostly have voices and aspirations to shout regarding humanities, so of course, talking about the consequences of human actions is also an integral part of the songwriting themes. Playing at DIY shows and solidarity shows also have become something they are accustomed to as well.
In my opinion, besides showcasing strong influences of the names mentioned earlier, I also think that this album has King Woman-like tones as well. Packed in the form of nine tracks, the diversity of the sounds range from slow desolate riffs to bass lines full of reverberations. Most of the vocals on this album are intense and soul-crushing, and the general nuance of this album, besides leaning on to the hardcore-nuanced post-metal side, also has shoegaze-like tendencies. The passages that they present are beyond mesmerizing, and the immaculate tones of both the vocals and the riffs just exactly match the imagery they were aiming to showcase.
While I admit I don’t know much about the Greek underground scene, Commotion is a great kickstarter for me to begin exploring. Being darker and more intricate than their past releases, this one strikes real hard.
Buy the album here:
https://music.allochiria.com/album/commotion
8 / 10
RALKA SKJERSETH