Elder - 'Through Zero' Album Review

4 minutes ago
3 min read

Tracklist:

1. Sigil To Ruin

2. Capture Release

3. Through Zero

4. Strata

5. Sight Unseen

6. Blighted Age

Massachusetts Heavy-Psych quartet Elder are back with their seventh studio album 'Through Zero', recorded in Germany, releasing May 29th via Stickman Records.

'Sigil To Ruin' kicks things off with a short atmospheric intro before layering things up with a more hectic bassline and spacey guitars, introducing an airy riff that compliments that powerful bass sound perfectly, and that riff is then echoed in the vocals, which are used very sparsely. There's an almost sci-fi element to it with the synths in the background that add a complexity through the layering, before amping things up a touch just before the halfway phase, shifting between more psychedelic and doom elements in a really pleasant way, letting each individual member of the band shine in this near 11 minute epic.

Second single 'Capture Release' follows much the same pattern, leaning more into the synths in the intro, once again making use of that layering with dual guitars, each member perfectly attuned to one another. They reach further into the heavier elements with this one, with crunchier guitars offsetting the fantastical feeling brought in through the synths and vocals. Naturally, with the longer song format (this one clocking in at 8:48), it feels like a journey, each section bringing something different to the table while also calling back to previous moments in the song through some genius songwriting, which is reflected in the smooth production and technical playing.

The title track/lead single 'Through Zero' returns to that sci-fi feel, combining those heavy psych elements with a touch of gaze in places, once again journeying through different sections with a shimmery sound to them, contrasted with the heavier distorted guitar sections. The transitions between synth, guitar and bass led phrases is seriously well done, with steady drum beats underneath to give a good continuity. Once again, the vocals (still being implemented sparingly) provide a good melody to enhance the instrumentals, and there is a phenomenal transition into the next track.

'Strata', through that transition from 'Through Zero', takes on a more contemplative quality, slowing things down and becoming more measured. As with the last three tracks, it doesn't stay that way for long, taking you on yet another journey. Each element is so powerful in their own unique ways, showcasing the talent and versatility that each member of the band possesses in equal measure. It loops in parts, but manages never to feel repetitive or drawn out, knowing when to build and when to strip away layers.

'Sight Unseen', in yet another spacey atmospheric intro, this time an instrumental, introduces some subtle choral vocalisations in amongst the synths before those layers start to slowly build once again. Another nod to the production is definitely needed, delicately balancing elements, knowing exactly when to highlight the flourishes, whether they're big and bold or small, near imperceptible details, keeping that build going throughout the majority of the track, slightly falling back in places just to build up once again, with a minute long outro to take us into the finale of the record.

'Blighted Age' is the shortest track on the album, clocking in at 5:49, and immediately stands out from the pack. It takes a softer, acoustic edge with more straightforward keys interwoven with the synths. It's peaks and troughs are more subtle, letting shakers and percussion provide a softer backbone in places, with drums played with (what sounds to me like) brushes to achieve that lighter touch. It's overall more calming, but does contain some very slight touches in certain notes that feels more sinister to round out the album in a very interesting way.

I have to say that I don't think I've ever heard an album quite like 'Through Zero'. As I've said throughout, each track takes you on an individual journey that all comes together in to one of a scale akin to Lord Of The Rings. I felt like a visual component would really set this album ablaze, but it certainly doesn't suffer without one.