Post-Death Soundtrack’s fourth full-length album, Veil Lifter, marks a daring evolution in their sonic journey. Known for their industrial soundscapes, Jon Ireson and Stephen Moore have stripped down to a raw, organic sound that combines doom, grunge, hardcore, and thrash into a cohesive, intense experience. The album feels like a live performance, brimming with the gritty energy and emotional rawness of their influences like Alice in Chains, Black Sabbath, and Nirvana.
Kicking off with a 27-second intro of distorted, muffled sounds, the album then unleashes the relentless force of “The Die is Cast,” immediately immersing listeners in its heavy, sludgy riffs and hardcore intensity. Each track is a carefully constructed assault on the senses, with hypnotic grooves and empyrean ambiances weaving through the fabric of the music.
Lyrically, Veil Lifter goes deep into themes of mental illness, spiritual warfare, and the human condition. Moore’s vocals, layered with emotional weight, convey a sense of cathartic release. His words, often steeped in metaphor and dream language, draw from Eastern philosophies and spiritual texts, adding a profound depth to the album’s narrative.
“Icy Underground” is a powerful and evocative track that explores the dark side of the human experience. The song’s bleak outlook is balanced by a glimmer of hope, making it a thought-provoking listen.
“Lowdown Animal” is a vicious grunge anthem that captures the album’s raw energy. The song is filled with anger and aggression, with lines like “beaten by the father,” “betrayed by the son,” and “I’m a lowdown animal.” The singer feels like they have been wronged and is ready to lash out.
“Burrowing Down the Spine” with its accompanying harrowing music video, showcases the band’s ability to create an atmosphere that is terrifying yet captivating, blending heavy, doom-laden riffs with hypnotic grooves. The album’s pacing keeps listeners engaged, with moments of respite allowing the intensity to sink in before the next onslaught begins. The seamless integration of various genres creates a dynamic listening experience that is both challenging and rewarding.
The production on Veil Lifter is raw and unpolished, capturing the band’s live energy with stunning accuracy. The production process, as recounted by Moore and Ireson, was a whirlwind of creativity and resilience. Moore’s guitar parts, described as a mix of slow dirges and fast hardcore riffs, set the tone for the album’s new direction. The collaboration with Casey Lewis added a new dimension, with his intensity and personality enhancing the record’s punch. The result is a cohesive, powerful sound that remains true to the band’s core while exploring new territories.
The ten-track album is a sonic assault that demands to be experienced at full volume. The record is dark, disturbing, terrifying, and exhilarating all at once. While some may find the sound abrasive, it is precisely this raw intensity that gives the album its power.
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