Swedish post-metal project Novarupta is releasing their final album 'Astral Sands'. More of a collaborative art project than a traditional band, Novarupta has completed their four-album journey with this exceptional conceptual work. Multi-instrumentalist and creator of Novarupta, Alex Stjernfeldt, masterfully guides the musical journey with inspired collaborations including the beautiful string arrangements by Johannes Björk on 'Endless Sun' and vocals by Fireside's Kristofer Aström on 'The Bullet Shines Before Impact'.
The album is introduced with the instrumental track ‘Ensamstående Enastående’ (roughly translated from Swedish as 'Single Outstanding'), which instantly sets the stage for the album. The immediate echoing guitar melody creating a haunting and emotional atmosphere that sets the stage for the album well. The rich and resonant combined with the distant, percussive drums creates an ominous and intense mood. Concluding with distorted, slashing guitar, foreshadowing the album's heavier elements, gives a glimpse into whats in store. The drums evoke a similarity to 'Clubbed to Death' by Kurayamino Variation (from The Matrix).
'Seven Collides' (featuring guitarist/vocalist Jonas Mattsson) opens with a gut-punch guitar intro, its echoing reverb reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age. Thrash percussion builds anticipation before the drums and vocals explode into the mix. The song's 90s alternative vibe - think Nirvana meets Oasis - is undeniable. Mattsson's gritty, whiny vocals drive the track, intertwining with the echoing guitars through simple yet effective melodies. A tense bridge, featuring a low growl and relentless tom roll, builds to a brooding urgency. The grunge-inspired vocals soar, even if the crashing cymbal occasionally overwhelms. The Alice In Chains-esque vocal harmonies in the break are a standout.
Featuring guest vocals from Fireside’s Kristofer Aström, 'The Bullet Shines Before Impact' is a truly captivating experience. The nuanced drumming, particularly the hi- hat, immediately grabs the listener's attention. The softer vocals and slower tempo create a sense of vulnerability. The layered echoes in the chorus are a masterclass in dynamics, adding emotional weight. The lyrics explore the depths of hopelessness, a feeling reinforced by the haunting electronic textures that precede the second chorus. In the chorus, the drums' understated power allows the layered vocals to resonate, deepening the track's foreboding and hopeless atmosphere. The outro is a powerful moment, with the distorted reverberating guitars reaching peak intensity.
'Endless Joy' (featuring Per Stålberg and Johannes Björk) begins with a captivating blend of cello, harmonica, and ethereal air sounds, creating a unique sonic landscape. A delicate violin melody emerges, intertwining with the constant trill of the guitar. The sudden, powerful entrance of the drums and vocals is striking. The vocals are delivered with a raw, angry intensity, fueled by the track's driving rhythm, and the recurring dialogue between guitar and cello adds a layer of beauty and complexity. The guitar melody, though simpler, is effective in maintaining the album's thematic thread. The extended instrumental break is a highlight, showcasing the drums' dynamic performance. The guitar panning during this section is masterful, creating a truly immersive listening experience. Close listening reveals subtle yet effective vibrato in the vocals. The ending is particularly intriguing, with the distorted guitar fading out to leave the cello and violin in the forefront.
Featuring Greenleaf vocalist Arvid Hällagård, ‘Terraforming Celestial Bodies’ brings foreboding guitars and drums, establishing a powerful chord and drum beat combination. While the vocals aren't as immediately punchy as on previous tracks, they effectively contribute to the album's overall theme, delivering poignant lyrics filled with shouts of woe and desperation. Though perhaps less impactful initially, the song still conveys a clear message and ultimately satisfies. 'Breathe Breathe,' featuring Misery Loves Co. vocalist Patrik Wirén, offers a different style while remaining thematically consistent. The unexpected blend of Pet Shop Boys and Tears for Fears influences creates a surprisingly effective sound. The foreboding, grunge-infused soundscape is enhanced by intriguing vocals and electronics, with the guitar riff interplay during the break being particularly noteworthy. 'Cosmographia' features echoing guitars, Matrix-esque drums, and standout clean vocals by Fabian Brusk-Jahn. A subtle tambourine adds a cool and unique accent to this track.
The fittingly titled finale ‘Now We Are Here (At The Inevitable End)’, showcases interesting vocal effects and thick, chunky distorted guitar riffs interspersed between the verses. The halfway chorus is a definite highlight featuring funky bass (Martin Wegeland) that shines through. Desperate breaths punctuate the vocal lines, subtly yet powerfully reinforcing the song's nihilistic theme. The awesome singing and shouts, filled with desperate anger and urgency, provide an excellent and powerful conclusion to an excellent album.
In its entirety, this album is an inspired journey through the portal that Stjernfeldt has created. The combined creative influences, artistic collaborations and unique vision that make up 'Astral Sands' is the legacy Novarupta will leave behind.
'Astral Sands' will be released on February 14th 2025 via Suicide Records.
Words: Katherine Russell
Photos: Novarupta
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