Evolution is a thing that has a strange relationship with humanity. There are those who do not believe in it, no matter what scientific evidence you put in front of them, and those who embrace it for what it is. You can just look back in history and see how we’ve all changed and advanced, or on our own lives to see how different we are as humans compared to how we were when we were younger.

Insect Ark, a project long helmed by Dana Schechter, is the perfect example of the evolutionary theory just by witnessing their fourth full-length “Raw Blood Singing.” The most obvious change is the presence of Schechter’s vocals for the first time, adding an alluring element to the band’s music that fits seamlessly. But beyond that, the songs are more full-bodied and active, not that the band’s previous work wasn’t, but this is just a marked step up in texture and character. Schechter, who also handles bass, lap steel guitar, synthesizers, and piano, is joined by new drummer Tim Wyskida (Khanate, Blind Idiot God) as well as guests Ville Leppilahti (Oranssi Pazuzu) and Colin Marston (Krallice, who also mixed the album) to create this new vision that lurks in different corners and shadows.

“Birth of a Black Diamond” is a quick, cosmic opener that warbles and floats amid the clouds, washing into “The Frozen Lake” where doomy, noisy strains send jolts down the spine. Schechter’s singing enters, adding an interesting, smoky element to the band’s music, the ominous melodies mixing in with slide guitars, the fog thickening. Dreary darkness is coated with mist, sounds echoing and drubbing, blurring out into time. “Youth Body Swayed” angles into immersive keys, aching singing, and melodies drizzling, the shadows thickening around everything. Distorted calls mix with guitars that bathe in ash, eeriness and moodiness making for a thicker atmosphere. “Cleaven Hearted” enters amid playing swirling, strummed guitars echoing, a nightmarish void spreading over the body of the track. Griminess gathers as keys trickle to the ground, guitars tracing patterns in the air, the playing shimmering and slowly fading.

“The Hands” is dark and foreboding, Schechter calling, “We will never be free.” The emotional thickness picks up as spacey synth moves through the atmosphere, slide guitars calling with mysterious intent, fading into the stars. “Psychological Jackal” scrapes as the guitars cloud the senses, the singing plodding as nighttime takes a greater hold. A deep Western vibe comes alive, making it feel like walking the outskirts of the desert at night, the guitars chugging and squalling, sounds dripping psychological warmth. The playing buzzes and sweeps from there, settling into echoes. “Inverted Whirlpool” is an instrumental that spins, humid guitars thickening the air, dreamlike melodies making you see mysterious visions. The smoke builds, only letting thin lasers cut through, cosmic heat continuing to generate as synth turns into alien textures. Closer “Ascension” spits static into dark folds, the sounds rolling through the clouds, the murk threatening. An angelic haze spreads its reach, bristling and sinking, bleeding into world beyond.

“Raw Blood Singing” shows Insect Ark in a form we’ve never seen them in before, and it has more to do with there being vocals included now. The playing and the themes are richer and more developed than ever before, and it feels like a different beast walking the earth on this album. This is a rebirth for a band that already was operating on a high level, and where they go from here is anyone’s guess as their metamorphosis seems to be just beginning.

For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/InsectArk/

To buy the album (North America), go here: https://debemurmorti.aisamerch.com/

Or here (Europe): https://www.debemur-morti.com/en/12-eshop

For more on the label, go here: https://www.debemur-morti.com/en/