Toundra - III (2012)

Tracklist

1. Ara Caeli
2. Cielo negro (Black Sky)
3. Réquiem
4. Marte (Mars)
5. Lilim
6. Espírita

Two years ago, Post-Rock and Atmospheric Sludge Metal band Toundra released their second album (II) which made me instantly fall in love with their music and earned high marks from me in my 'Best of 2010' list. They don't play generic Instrumental Post-Rock like many other bands out there right now, who only use their knowledge or past behemoths of the genre's styles like airy guitar picking and quiet, long interludes. No, Toundra take the not so subtle path and blend the common Post-Rock traits along with soaring and atmospheric hooks, to create a catchy, heavy and powerful musical onslaught not generally associated with Post-Rock. Usually called 'Post-Metal' by many enthusiasts of the sound, Toundra take what most bands flying the same banner have done in the past, and simply, refine it. Clear, precise and direct song structures accompanied by on point musician take the overall personality of the album, and the band to new heights, one to be rivaled with in company of the top names of the genre. 

A slow start to the album leads into a dramatic and overwhelming 'Cielo Negro (Black Sky)', which ends in such a high note in it's beautiful tremolo picking. What always caught me in the second album, was Toundra's ability to incorporate classical instruments into their music without making them feel out of place or over the top. As is such on 'Requiem' the amazing Violin only enhances the overall epic soundtrack that they have put out.  Then of course it just picked right back up again where it left off, without any hesitation or feel of flowing problems. And it all works so perfectly to keep your attention as the album progresses. Similar to 'If Wolves' by Kokomo last year, I highly recommend this album to everyone, an absolutely solid album as always by Toundra.

Spain, 2012

Post-Rock, Atmospheric Sludge Metal

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