DAWN OF OUROBOROS Velvet Incandescence
Two years in the past, Daybreak of Ouroboros launched The Artwork of Morphology to huge crucial acclaim, with the California natives getting props for bringing melodic components to the usually asymphonic world of black steel. Now, in 2023, they’ve returned with their sophomore effort, Velvet Incandescence, and so they proceed to marry components of the symphonic and the progressive with black steel, leading to a kinetic sonic increase that is positive to please die-hard steel followers.
If nothing else, vocalist Chelsea Murphy has vary. Murphy goes from the spritely and ethereal (“Velvet Moon”) to the uncooked and downright nasty (“Rise from Disillusion”) with little challenge. Sonically, too, the album is combined fairly expertly, with seamless transitions between the tracks that provides Velvet incandescence an almost-cinematic really feel.
The standout observe, after all, is the lugubrious, searing “Testudines,” which additionally served because the third single off the document. And it is the inspiration for this observe, particularly, that can blow steel followers away, as Daybreak of Ouroboros co-founder (and lead guitarist) Tony Thomas says that the band borrowed from greater than a bit of little bit of jazz music when enthusiastic about every part from the tune construction to Murphy‘s supply.
“The entire band exhibits off our capacity to play at excessive tempos whereas protecting our tune construction melodic and coherent. Vocally, Chelsea makes use of a number of kinds to indicate off her expertise. Together with her use of her signature black steel shrieks, brutal lows, in addition to her sturdy sense of melody along with her clear singing. That is one we positively can’t wish to carry out reside!” he mentioned in an announcement about its launch.
But, for all of its sonic variety, Daybreak of Ouroboros by no means sounds disjointed or in any other case messy on Velvet Incandescence. Murphy‘s voice is clear and well-trained, and the band as a unit is tighter than a snare drum (which is, maybe, unsurprising, provided that the band is collectively staffed with heavy steel veterans on the 21st-century scene). And whereas actually removed from excellent, the band is not afraid to embrace potential progress.
Granted, black steel purists will most likely discover their fair proportion of criticisms with Velvet Incandescence, as it’s certainly not a “pure” black steel album. However for individuals who can placed on their headphones and easily get pleasure from a rockin’ good time, Daybreak of Ouroboros greater than delivers whereas avoiding the sophomore stoop.