Review Summary: Prepare yourself for a dark, atmospheric and mystical ride through the ages from ancient mythology to modern industrial wastelands.
Trinacria is a Norwegian side-project comprised of male and female members from bands of various backgrounds:
Ivar Bjørnson [Guitar] / Enslaved
Maja S. K. Ratkje [Voice and Electronics] / Fe-mail
Hild S. Tafjord [Horn and Electronics] / Fe-mail
Grutle Kjellson [Vocals] - Enslaved
Arve "Ice Dale" Isdal [Guitar] / Enslaved
Iver Sandøy [Drums] / Emerhoff
Espen Lien [Bass] / Audrey Horne
What began in 2005 as a meeting between Ivar Bjornson from Enslaved and experimental noise duo Fe-mail, eventually culminated in the seven member outfit Trinacria and release "Travel Now Journey Infinitely" in 2008. The name Trinacria is open to interpretation. It means triangle in English and refers to the three capes or points of triangular shaped Sicily which was known as the Kingdom of Trinacria in the 14th Century. Trinacria has a multitude of connotations, ranging from luck and prosperity signified by the three-legged symbol on the Sicilian flag to Greek and Scandinavian mythology. The lure of the term Trinacria is its link to the occult, mythology and the mystique and contrast behind its myriad of symbolic meanings from ancient times to the present day. The band represents the coming together of men and women from contrasting music genres and ideas which when combined in this case, created a unique, diverse and often chaotic and complex sound.
The consuming, dark atmosphere of album opener “Turn-Away” will grip the listener from the outset. Tribal like beats commence proceedings and are soon joined by a slow-grinding, sludgy, repetitive guitar riff. The different dynamics to the sound were inevitable when fusing part of Enslaved with two females from an experimental noise outfit, along with a further two members from different bands. The result is a post-metal industrial wasteland, summoning the likes of mid-90’s era Neurosis and Streetcleaner by Godflesh. The lengthy, slow dirge that is the intro to “Turn-Away” alone delivers on the bleak atmosphere, until Grutle’s lower register than usual growls come over the top and create a whole new dimension. His guttural, deathly growls send chills and complete what is an apocalyptic, evil soundscape that will engulf the listener who won’t want it to end.
The Enslaved imprint is firmly ensconced in "Travel Now Journey Infinitely" and none more so than on track “Make No Mistake” which could have been lifted straight from their Monumension and Below The Lights era. The heavy, up tempo riffs and Ivar’s unmistakable shrieking growls will leave Enslaved enthusiasts salivating. The notable difference, however, is the inclusion of experimental noise which is a constant yet integral component in the formation of Trinacria’s post-metal/industrial sound. The use of death and black metal vocals add so much weight to the eerie, stifling atmosphere. “Endless Road” is the longest track and although still great, it didn’t quite have the effect of those already described. It’s a slow plodding beast reminiscent of Cult of Luna but with darker vocals.
The female members not only contribute instrumentally but vocally as well. The female vocals on the title track are breathtaking, following a gradual increase in intensity not dissimilar to Pink Floyd’s “The Great Gig in the Sky.” This is of course a much darker and heavier album with the haunting, melodic vocals climaxing to an exhausting, chilling finale full of banshee cries and demonic shrills. This completes an epic journey which, if captivated, one may desire to continue infinitely beyond its 47 minutes.
If the other two tracks delivered the same impact as those aforementioned then this album would get a perfect score. Those not so fond of the slower, atmospheric, post-metal song structures, may struggle to remain engaged for its duration. The use of experimental noise may seem unnecessary or annoying to others. The range of vocals, however, is exceptional over the entire album and the varying musical elements are for the most part genuinely powerful and engaging. Trinacria’s "Travel Now Journey Infinitely" feels, to some extent, like Enslaved and Neurosis jamming to the apocalypse as it unfolds before their eyes, with Godflesh and some intense ladies chiming in. Amidst this metaphorical chaos and multi-dimensional assemblance of musicians, not all songs maintain the consistency and atmosphere of the experience, however, this first outing is ultimately a successful venture and something even more special may eventuate if Trinacria meet up again for another ride.
