I just returned from the beach recently, and I’m not a guy super into doing anything but sitting on the sand, absorbing the surroundings, unplugging from everyday life and its monotony. I don’t really go far into the ocean as I am not good dealing with the waves and would rather wade, appreciating its majesty and how it can recharge your mind.

“Waves” is the seventh record from Severoth, and the sole creator behind this project said he was inspired when visiting the black beach near Grettislaug in Iceland. He noticed the activity of the waves, how each had its own mission, and he related that back to humanity. The seven tracks that flood over 50 minutes rain down from the heavens, mixing winds and pressure, the water rippling, hammering the shore and returning. Severoth saw how people also act like waves in their movement and nature connecting us all as we make up a thing greater than ourselves.  

“Stars Will Show the Way” opens with waves crashing, and then glorious melodies explode, tearing with anguished wails, an emotional, huge outburst lighting up the sky. Blood courses through veins as screams belt, guitars open, and hearts flutter, Severoth howling the title to the stars. The tempo bursts as wails explode, hearts pound, and then calm arrives, settling into the waters. “We Are Waves” tingles before gashing, storming as the keys ice, howls belt, and the leads flush, an active pace jarring. Harsh calls envelop, great energy peeling off, sweeping into cosmic wonder, a gazey storm encircling. The tempo bursts as everything gushes, dazzling with colors, and all elements returning to the waves. “Vyriy” unleashes a synth beam, the screams belting as the pace lays waste, a frenetic charge shaking you to your core. Screams lash as thick keys emerge, whirring as the playing storms again, engulfing with fiery intent, synth taking over, spilling into oblivion.

“As Forests Dream at Dawn” is clean, swirling in the stars, eeriness scraping at your mind, the playing trudging through a frigid terrain that attacks your cells. Cries clutch your arms as a fantastical display captures minds, the heated chaos suddenly cooling. The moodiness slips into a coating mist, guitars liquify, and the waves returning to flood minds. “Snowind” opens with spooky keys, howls echoing, melodies sweeping, and cosmic melodies haunting. Screams echo as the keys hypnotize, energy pulses actively, and cold, driving melodies leave you shivering. The playing clouds the senses, guitars drive thorns, and the waves crash again, sounds left ringing in your ear. Closer “Glacial Dreams” is a brief instrumental with water rushing, synth glistening, and your mind drifting away.

“Waves” is a record that is volcanic and mind altering, a creation that feels like it is pulling you back to the earth and paying homage to one of its mightiest elements and our roles in it. Severoth commonly creates music that takes you elsewhere, and that remains the case here, even if that destination is part of our own world. This is an immersive, exciting record that lights hearts on fire and honors the world in which we’re all connected.

For more on the band, go here: https://severoth.bandcamp.com/

To buy the album, go here: https://www.sound-cave.com/en/band/severoth

For more on the label, go here: https://avantgardemusic.com/