(c) Tom Haagen
Make it, break it oder shake it? Für Coal & Crayon The release of their third album marks the supposed end of a stormy time – and not just because they come from the island of Rügen. Waiting times are just as normal as changes on the drums, but in fact it was mainly strokes of fate that determined the last few years, especially a stillbirth. This ultimately gave rise to the impulse to end the band’s break and record a complete album about grief and the resulting strength. Little is surprising „Beneath The Moral Void“ became an extremely emotional affair.
The precursor “The Glacial Clearing” was excellently chosen and sums up the atmosphere of this album with its oppressive guitar sound and tense mood. Musically, they continue to move in progressive rock and metal realms with a strong alternative influence, with new extremes finding their way in – see and hear the screams mostly hinted at here, surrounded by expansive soundscapes. In “May You Be There”, however, they come to the surface, combining post grunge with post metal and riding on an explosive powder keg. The constant balancing act near the abyss skilfully confuses the emotional balance.
After that, only “The Curse Of Kings” can follow, the long, eleven-minute departure that reaches a new level in terms of epicness and dramaturgy. Majestic scenes rise from instrumental magic, several complex parts combine conflict with anger and tender hope for better days, before the lead guitar plays itself into a kind of frenzy. But tracks like “A Beautiful Mind”, which increasingly focus on quiet, emotional moments and strive for prog grace, are also hard to get out of my head. The slow grace with its bittersweet melodies knows how to move.
It takes a lot of patience to work through “Beneath The Moral Void,” but that’s exactly what you want. Even in comparatively catchy, melodic moments, the challenge is always made tangible, not to mention the high emotional hurdles. Of course it’s worth it, as is always the case with Coal & Crayon, where intensive engagement with the music reveals magical worlds. This colossal maelstrom moves through your bones, like the cold wind on… well, you know. So that this may not have been the final act.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: March 29, 2024
Available via: Rügencore Records (Cargo Records)
Website: coalandcrayon.de
Facebook: www.facebook.com/coalandcrayon
Category: Magazin, Reviews