It’s been five long years since Lord Dying’s 2019 record, Mysterium Tremendum, released. During this time, the world has since drastically changed. From experiencing a global pandemic, to seeing multiple wars, UAP’s reaching mainstream media, and growing fears of Artificial Intelligence taking over, you’d think the world has somehow entered a vortex of the end-of-times or somehow a collective parallel universe experience. With that said, it’s evident the Portland Oregon progressive sludge masters had the opportunity to explore quite a bit for their next record, Clandestine Transcendence. After half a decade, the band’s long-awaited album arrived on Friday (19th) via MNRK Heavy. Despite the significant global changes, Lord Dying have presented a consistency to their melancholic execution. This time around, co-founders Erik Olson and Chris Evans, alongside Alyssa Mocere and Kevin Swartz, delve deeper into the great unknown, guided by producer Kurt Ballou (Converge). Here’s where the connection between what happened over the last five years comes into play, the record moves as an exploration of what lies beyond death.
Consider the album as a haunting journey through a realm where darkness and melancholy converge. The opening track, “The Universe Is Weeping,” sets a somber tone with a single guitar intro that encapsulates profound sadness, seamlessly transitioning into a heavier instrumental haze. The emotional fusion of sludge and harsh vocals creates a captivating blend, leaving a lasting impact with a depressive conclusion.
“I Am Nothing. I Am Everything” plunges into a darker mix, exuding anger and power from the outset. The song’s hypnotic breakdown, laced with sludgy beats and progressive death elements, showcases the band’s mastery. The track evolves into a frenzy of crushing vocals, delivering a blistering madness that promises an enthralling live experience. “Unto Becoming” introduces uncertainty and end-of-the-world themes, slowing down while exploring more progressive directions. Clean vocals make a brief appearance before yielding to a heavier, sludgier soundscape, seamlessly shifting between progressive and harsh vocal sections.
“Final Push Into The Sun” storms in with raw intensity, maintaining a relentless pace. A sudden shift to a progressive and melodic breakdown adds diversity, while explorative guitar riffs propel the track into space, concluding with a hypnotic instrumental breakdown. “Dancing On The Emptiness” offers a respite from the intensified tracks, embracing a soaring progressive and sludgy melody. It stands out as a strong and emotional piece, contributing to the album’s overall depth and diversity.
“Facing The Incomprehensible” intensifies the pace with a merciless track, infusing death metal styles and culminating in a crushing guitar solo. The dynamics shift in “A Brief Return To Physical Form,” serving as a somber instrumental interlude that maintains the record’s continuous diversity. “A Bond Broken By Death” builds on a dark and depressive atmosphere reminiscent of Katatonia. The track seamlessly evolves into a heavier composition, showcasing Lord Dying’s exceptional guitar work and powerful progression.
“Break In The Clouds (In The Darkness Of Our Minds)” continues the somber tone, gradually building into a heavier track with emotional depth. Sinister whispers and blistering melodies add layers of complexity. “Soul Metamorphosis” takes an experimental turn, blending progressive, heavy, and avant-garde elements. The track’s continuous experimentations culminate in an explosive finale, featuring a mesmerizing drum breakdown. “Swimming In The Absence” introduces a slow, Katatonia-esque vibe that evolves into a dynamic composition with sludge and 90s hard rock influences. The emotive and engaging tune showcases Lord Dying’s versatility.
“The Endless Road Home” concludes the album with a soft, somber atmosphere, weaving electronified elements and harsh rock beats. Lord Dying’s commitment to experimentation and innovation shines through, creating a diverse, engaging, and captivating album that explores the depths of their craft. Clandestine Transcendence stands as a strong addition to the band’s catalog delivering a diverse and always-engaging listen.
Rating: 4.5/5
