We’ve all been through a lot the last few years, and yes, I know this is an opening style I’ve used before, but it’s incredibly relevant here. Pain and suffering, immeasurable loss, the devastating mental toll many of us paid and still pay all are things that remain to this day. They don’t just go away because the world is opened up. Some wounds don’t actually heal regardless of time, and there needs to be an outlet for release.
A.S.B., the sole creator behind The Mosaic Window, paid the heavy price alongside so many of us, and his debut record under this banner, “Plight of Acceptance,” is the result of that experience. Not only did A.S.B. have to deal with the same circumstances that we all experienced in the past few years, he also lost his father and grandmother, which is enough to send anyone reeling into oblivion. But “Plight” happened, obviously, due to his perseverance and determination, and while the music was released independently this past June, Willowtip has picked up this great record and is giving it the wider release it richly deserves. Even if you just want to come around for the music, you’ll be able to indulge in the sonic heaviness. But anyone in a struggle, who can’t seem to find a bright light in the insanity, can identify with the pain and loss and hopefully find music that’ll help them see a way out.
“Comatic Burial” starts in soaking rain and ominous riffs, the playing slashing as the melodies increase, gruff howls crushing wills. Clean singing teams with vicious wails over the chorus, the leads lather and add fuel to the accumulating fire, and everything blasts hard before a massive finish. “The Haunting That Follows” blasts with chaotic energy, bellows hitting you in the guts, acoustics sweeping before things jolt again. Forceful howls team with spiraling guitars work, the playing numbs the senses, and a last burst of energetic devastation brings everything to an end. “Demon” smokes with sinister intent, scowling howls open new, flowing wounds, and the darkness wells before things turn truly ugly. The tempo blasts and threatens safety, a faster pace elevates your anxiety, and the growls menace, leaving a glistening pool of blood collecting from the attack.
“Furnace” swells and bursts, bringing with it menacing growls and accumulating steam that coats your face in sweat. Melodies rush as horns signal impending doom, the disorienting pace playing games with your mind. Gruff howls scar as the guitars pour added energy, mournful melodies darken skies, and the final stretch spits shrapnel. “Spiritual Intoxication” has riffs blazing and the melodies overwhelming, the pace continually increased to make the manic energy more volatile. Grim howls batter as the guitars smoke, the sounds flooding your senses as your head is left spinning. “Nails of Holy Origin” wrenches as synth swarms intoxicate, and the sorrow collects and weighs heavily on your heart. Vile howls rush as the playing takes on a Middle Eastern flavor, blasting and wrenching as keys glimmer, and huge surges make blood rush with force. Closer “Consumed by a Thought” opens with war sounds (it reminded me a lot of “One”) and then the sludging takes over, frantic transmissions triggering panic. The playing unloads, devastation bursting at every corner, the leads consuming as the growls become more unhinged. Swirling madness coils and strikes, a cavernous stretch adds to the darkening atmosphere, and the end comes with start/stop thrashing that hammers the ferocious final nails.
So many people have suffered immeasurably in the past few years, and what A.S.B. pours into “Plight of Acceptance” is the end result of facing the tumult head on even in the worst of mental times. The fire and chaos spread all over the Mosaic Window’s debut is palpable, and if you’re one who has paid a heavy price, you might find some solace and catharsis along the way. Hopefully the next record under this banner comes as a result of better circumstances, but this collection will stand as a document of facing the worst of times and finding a way to survive despite it all.
For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094717845304
To buy the album, go here: https://www.willowtip.com/bands/details/the-mosaic-window.aspx
For more on the label, go here: https://www.willowtip.com/home.aspx
Meat Mead Metal 