Mark Garrett is a name that metal fans need to quickly become accustomed to, if they haven’t already.
The vocalist for Progressive Deathgaze savants Kardashev put in a quite frankly stunning performance all over new album Alunea (Metal Blade Records), and his effervescent flair is only further strengthened by the entire rhythm section, making for a truly classic piece of art.
The winning formula on this record is the smorgasbord of vocal deliveries used throughout and the technical prowess of the instrumentals that permeate from start to finish.
Take “Seed Of The Night” as a case study. Impassioned vocals over enduring guitars set the stage and harshes pierce the bubble with a welcomed bite. A penetrating drum passage that dovetails into an ethereal background is simply icing on the already iced cake.
Garrett again flaunts his outstanding ability on “Edge Of Forever.” Here, gritty guitars go toe-to-toe with bestial, hungry, frothing harsh passages. Garrett’s soft singing devolves into a thunderous rage, and the harmonized interplay between the two is luscious and intoxicating.
Alunea also features a fair share of dramatic, enveloping progressions and builds. The instrumentals are both light on their feet and adeptly proficient. Kardashev can be – and often is – delicate and gentle with groove and panache, and an occasional scintillating crescendo.
“We Could Fold The Stars,” aside from being a banger of a song title, features a crazy fusion of vocal deliveries. More importantly, the screams into the drum sequence is certified “fuck me up” material.
As a Deathgaze record, Alunea is deathly methodical and a gaze into the minds of four remarkable musicians. It’s an eight-track installment that begs to be replayed again and again.
Much like a timeless cinema classic or a piece of literature that spans generations, what Kardashev put together deserves to be cemented into the extreme metal pantheon for years to come.
Buy the album here:
https://www.metalblade.com/kardashev/
9 / 10
MATT COOK
Follow his work here: