Review Summary: The art of taking an unexpected risk.
Persefone is getting old. Surprisingly, this realization doesn’t apply to the quality of the music itself; the Andorran gentlemen sound rejuvenated on their sixth disc in completely novel ways. It’s everything else that appears out of place: a veteran act entering the 20s of their collective careers in a scene skewing younger, elongated breaks between records instead of continuous release cycles, and a discography that’s covered enough ground to feel finished. This makes it easy to lose track of the prog-metal maestros in a fast-paced industry that prioritizes streaming and quick turnarounds between albums. Life moves on rapidly, attention spans decried, blah blah modernity. (These observations are highly original). The point here is that if these metaphorical Alexanders looked over the breadth of their domain, they’d notice that there was seemingly nothing else to conquer, with the caveat that the mainstream would promptly find the next shiny thing to promote in a real Wheel of Time-esque unending loop should they step away. Dramatic scenario? Established and thoroughly overembellished. I already ruined the plot in the second sentence, so caution (and spoilers) to the wind; Persefone has taken the challenge of meeting the expectations of their high standard head on, leading to an incredible change in direction that features outstanding moments to rival the band’s best accomplishments. In a separation from previous forays, the band has immersed themselves in a venture dedicated to creating an atmosphere, shifting the purpose of their instruments and diverting from their reliable bag of tricks.
Those immediately fearing that the group have compromised their roots can rest; the change experienced here was necessary for Persefone, and one that leaves core traits intact. Although the more Opethian numbers and Dark Tranquillity melodies have subsided, trading them in for intricate instrumentals and complex songwriting, that same guitar tone established on their debut release lingers. It’s the inseparable link between worlds, possessing unwavering heaviness in the relentless riff department of Carlos Lozano or endless captivation in mesmerizing solos. Miguel Espinoza’s distinctive keys maintain their presence as one of the collective’s defining foundational pieces. Marc Martins, Persefone’s omnipresent purveyor of resonating growls and commanding screams, hasn’t missed a single step. Toss these all in a blender and the result is the menacing, enticing journey of “Architecture of the I.” Toni Mestre’s bass practically
toys with the audience, building intrigue with its playful strumming as it emerges from a background of electrical ambiance. Piece by piece, the band joins the fray, Espinoza’s keys coloring the scenery while relative newcomer Sergi Verdeguer lays down the thrilling groundwork with thunderous drumming. It’s when the guitars let loose that Persefone attacks with a level of aggression they have rarely shown, constructing punishing grooves alongside beautifully understated thrumming. The track’s stunning finale—a roaring solo erupting underneath Martins’ vicious presentation—cements that Persefone is not only their best selves per usual, but they’ve got plenty of vigor left in the tank.
The emphasis placed upon constructing a mood is what serves as the impetus of
metanoia, making it an innovative parting from the band’s catalog. Though prior records have possessed a spiritual flavoring—Japanese folklore on
Shin-Ken and Greek mythos on
Core being the chief examples—this disc commits to the bit on an unparalleled level. Those little interludes of yore have grown up and are big adult tracks! An aura of wonderment persists across the near-hour-long duration of
metanoia, abetted by emotional singing and lustrous instrumental tenors. It’s a feat Persefone always had in them, and the rewards are unequivocally profound. This journey starts in “Leap of Faith,” featuring a quiet introduction of a crackling fire and distant classical keys. Orchestral sampling gradually swells in the distance, invited by the vast space opened by Espinoza’s restraint and the patient drumming of Verdeguer. Guitars shed their threatening stature, opting instead for peaceful timbres, concentrating on subtlety in order to create a grand sense of scope. Only after nearly four minutes of meticulous preparation is a climax permitted and its grandeur is palpable, soaring keys and strings buttressed by the crunch of post-metal-esque guitars.
For those not having “Persefone goes post-metal” on their Bingo board, the surprises continue: the subsequent “Aware of Being Watched” delves into Haken-like progression and dramatics, the band opting to lean on the clean vocals of Espinoza and maintaining the atmospheric, gentle arrangements developed previously. Shimmering guitars, soulful keyboard sections—among them a memorable instrumental refrain acting as the entry’s tether—remarkable crescendos, and even female choir vocals encapsulate the seven-minute trip. The internal consistency between every portion is a testament to how well Persefone have adjusted their songwriting, leaving no inconsistencies on the table as they provide a technical marvel of post-metal composing. Akin to a hero’s arc in a tale,
metanoia’s vision is cinematic in scope, with the intimidating size of each ‘chapter’ breathtaking to behold.
Persefone’s focus on crystallizing spiritual emotion has the bonus side-effect of honing in other variables. It’s certainly been said that the Euro crew have difficulty standing still (say hello to
Spiritual Migration), but since
Aathma they have strived to hash out a marriage between their escalating adoration for technical playing and the seamless cohesion of their more melodeath origins. The achievements of “Leap of Faith” and “Aware of Being Watched” ‘s one-two punch can be felt in the chaotic innards of “Katabasis” just the same as it can be in the awe-inspiring “Anabasis” suite. Urged forth by a gritty, technical passage and theatrical backing keys, the former tune hits the accelerator as Martins’ trademark voice piles on the intense pace. Persefone manages the dichotomy of calmer, reserved sections and furious onslaughts without causing jarring sensations; the central riff and a chorus provided by Espinoza are ideal buoys, and the Andorrans faultlessly convert between the two conflicting motifs. On the latter “Anabasis” series, the victories of “Katabasis” are expanded upon, with parts 1 and 3 designed as the ascension and descension points—piano-laden, soothing guides to and from the peak. That main prize, part 2, combines ferocious technicality with artful upsurges. The track’s first half, punctuated by an invasion of threatening riffs and ominous keys, races through a flurry of guitars that impose their will upon the listener. A scaled-back second half swiftly transitions to serene soundscapes, deconstructing momentum to reconfigure it brick by brick. The explosive finale earned by this gorgeous refinement, exploding in cascading synth lines and beautifully clean vocals, is an immaculate culmination of Persefone’s progressive structuring.
The results of
metanoia could have easily spelled disaster for the perpetually-underground sextet. To upend a lot of their own personal conventions in favor of an exciting, albeit risky, pursuit is worthy of commendation by itself. Considering how Persefone not only avoided post-metal pitfalls, revamped their songwriting without dismantling the foundation, and then passed the ultimate test with flying colors, there’s little else that can be said outside of admiration. Resident percussionist Verdeguer shines as the man who transforms the release immensely, marking the album as his official coming-out party; his knack for fills, pulverizing rhythms, and ingenious restraint dominate
metanoia, acting as the lifeblood of multiple cuts off the record. Original member Mestre concocts a brilliant bass exposition, obtaining a crucial role in the delicate production and increasing the depth of a given song. Fellow contributions on
metanoia feel electric, brimming with life and a simple joy for the art of music. In retrospect, this outcome
should be expected at this point; the European gang have defined themselves by carving out a unique path in the industry, tackling whatever obstacles face them. Encountering doubts, disparagement, mockery, whatever else—doesn’t matter. Defying normalcy is what Persefone can be depended on to do when they finally rise from their lengthy writing sessions. It may not be often, but such is what makes these new records special: they are an event, a celebration of spectacular craftsmanship, and a triumph against adversity.
