My dealing with Wisconsin’s Halo of Flies records have mostly been Lightbearer/Fall of Efrafa or Protestant related with a few other crust /hardcore releases scattered in there. However, here is something a little off the beaten path but still is a perfect fit for the label- a female fronted, black-ish post rock/post hardcore band from Germany playing some very evocative and excellent controlled and  jangly post hardcore  that really leaves a lasting impression.

I hear some Deafheaven/So Hideous by way sort of artful post rock meets black metal vibe and some of the jangly/shimmering screamo/post hardcore melodies that primarily reference Japan’s envy but I also hear the likes of Hiretsukan ( I wish they would release something new) Amanda Woodward  and Circle Takes the Square. The music contained on these 6 songs (35 minutes or so, so I’m not sure if this is an EP or a short  full length) is patient and restrained. It deftly utilizes a slower post rock build and gait but delivered with black metal/higher register rasps (the pained female voice  completes the Hiretsukan reference, thought she isn’t quite as caustic as Michelle Profitt) and lots of layered crescendos with a few atmospheric/acoustic injections here and there.

The production is loose and shimmery with oodles of really nice, cascading, dramatic riffs that never really get to far into  feral black metal or crust, but a nice, tense and elegant prose that’s emotive and at times gorgeous. Of course some will hate any sort of ‘post’ designation and the moniker/LP title and artwork and disregard this act, but I found myself returning to the released two standouts, second track “Lost” and the closing title track on multiple occasions. “Lost” has just a killer, melancholic main riff and soaring melody line. The closer, at ten minutes has a main riff and somber saunter that recalls Lifebearer, just not as crusty, it’s more loose and (here’s that word again), jangly but has the same sort of rending emotional heft and its mid song moments of reflective acoustics are superb. Very good stuff- I just wish it was longer.

[Visit the band's website]

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