Three years removed from their debut full-length, Belgian bruisers Hippotraktor return with their sophomore effort, Stasis (Pelagic Records), a veritable blend of progressive and post- metal, with versatile vocals scattered all throughout the seven tracks. 

No matter what a song calls for, the vocals can take the form of a harsh entity reaching alluring crescendos (“Echoes”) or a beastly, diabolical figure that immediately captivates (“Renegade”). It helps that there are two vocalists contributing – Sander Rom (L’Itch) and Stefan De Graef (Psychonaut), both of whom joined Hippotraktor the same year as the band’s debut.

As such, there are moments on Stasis that feel larger than life, such as the clean performances featured on the aforementioned “Echoes.” And “Descent” is a mighty fine example of harsh screams and polished singing coexisting (and complementing each other). 

“Silver Tongue” sees overlapping vocal styles that (sort of) work, though that could also be attributed to this writer still getting used to the progressive aspects of death metal. In any case, the record also features a quasi-breakdown and rusty, corroded guitar tuning that hits the mark with confidence. 

Another redeeming quality of this group is the fact that all five members have a say in the various ways in which the songs take shape. It also helps immensely to keep the record feeling fresh and vibrant, but also multi-faceted and multi-layered.

In the fashion typical of the sub-genres that Hippotraktor dwell in, the majority of tracks exceed the seven-minute mark, yet despite that, some sections shift before allowing for enough time to get into a state of immersion. But that’s a minor blemish.

Minus a few hiccups here and there when it comes to the vocal mixing, and minor mishaps that certainly don’t dampen Stasis in the big picture, Hippotraktor continue to carve out a legacy that is as unique as a three-hundred-pound animal mowing the lawn.

Buy the album here:
https://hippotraktor.bandcamp.com/album/stasis

7 / 10
MATT COOK