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Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Allelujah! Don't Bend! Ascend! CD (album) cover

ALLELUJAH! DON'T BEND! ASCEND!

Godspeed You! Black Emperor

 

Post Rock/Math rock

3.73 | 196 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

sgtpepper
3 stars A long awaited comeback by GY!BE was worth waiting for since the band deliver a decent record coming out of their roots while mildly experimenting and progressing further. Rather than providing another lengthy album as usual, less than an hour must suffice which may be a good decision based on the quality of material and yes, it is in this case.

GY!BE don't provide anything breathtaking, continuation of previous efforts without disruptions is the main credo. Out of two short tracks, the latter is better and less monotonous although both could be classified as drones, nothing to be stand in the line for.

"Mladic" starts off promising with distorted sounds and original textures before post-rock thundering drums kick in and distorted guitars build the main dark motive moving to a fast pacing apocalypse with cellos, bass, multiple guitars falling into abyss. Other post-rock motives are not that original, feel recycled, apart from the good sounding mellotron or its clone. The final majestic is catchy.

"We Drift Like Worried Fire" is my preferred track due to more changes. Glockenspiel with mellow but serious tones accompanied by violin lets the listener in great expectations. The track is more optimistic than a usual GY!BE track. I love distorted multiple guitars in the middle of the composition but also leading violins and cellos with changing drums are very atmospheric. A surprising fast-paced post-rock section still manages to develop before the end of the track. The end of this track is very epic and serves as the album apex. It must be great and chilly listening to it live.

A good album that has a lot to build on in the future.

sgtpepper | 3/5 |

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