THE WIND, THE TREES AND THE SHADOWS OF THE PAST

WOW, The Morningside is bringing post metal out of the sludgy bad recording days, and I'm completely fine with that. When I saw the album was up for free download I did not hesitate to go for it! On first listen I was stunned to find how crisp and clean everything sounded, if it werent for the guitar melodies, it would be hard to call this band post. Everything is toned out, the drums are very busy, and the vocals are very gutteral. Very different from anything you will hear, this five song album would be a great begginers album to anyone who is looking to get into post metal, or at the same time mislead them to think that all post metal sounds like this. Be wary though, just because it's different, dosent mean it's not as brutal a any other metal album.

After the first thirty second song of just blowing wind, the intro, the next song explodes with power chords, double bass, and some very down to earth lead lines that are sure to knock you off your feet. So this little jam session goes on for about three minuetes, then the vocals come in, very throaty and raw, therefore making the intro very misleading to anyone who's not a fan of harsh vocals. Either way, the music is very emotional through every piece, whether it's the flying lead lines of the wind, the sheer brutality of the trees, or the softness of the beginning of the shadows of the past. The trees is easily the heaviest song, relying mostly on the vocals, and power chords, with very few light moment like on the trees. The shadows of the past starts soft, with clean vocals sung beautifully, then climaxes into a mixture of both of the songs before it, marrying crazy guitar moments, and awesome power.

The album will not disapoint, little to no bad moments in it. If you were to ask me, revolutionary is the word I would describe for this album, abslutely destroying the rules of post, but at the same time, completely under the umbrella of the genre.

Mmmmm... This is six months later, and maybe I was being a little overly generous, nw that I listen to these guys, I'm hearing a more abrasive late agalloch, which is by no means a bad thing, but the lack of originality will not get you a five star....

4 stars