Deeper Graves
The Colossal Sleep
Disorder Recordings
Released: January 28, 2022
Deeper Graves, the solo project of Jeff Wilson of Chrome Waves, Contrition, and formerly of Nachtmystium, Wolvhammer, Abigail Williams, and more – will release their second album, The Colossal Sleep through Disorder Recordings.
Far removed from the metal output he is known for releasing over the past two decades or more, with Deeper Graves, Wilson creates lush soundscapes and slow-paced rock movements that venture further into the realms of his post-punk, shoegaze, and alternative influences, with elements tracing to foundational acts like Bauhaus and Joy Division, with influences from Goth, Industrial and Dark Waves artists such as Kovenant and Darkseed. The result is a morose and bleak soundscape, wonderfully crafted and woefully engrossing.
Far removed from the scathing black metal that Wilson is more known for, Deeper Graves walks the trail laid forth by other black metal artists, namely Ulver, who transformed their sounds from raw and punishing black metal into celebrated film soundtracks. That’s not to say that Wilson and Deeper Graves are creating film scores, but that the difference in sound is akin to that of Ulver. On The Colossal Sleep, as was the case on Open Roads, Deeper Graves explore a soundscape that artists like Joy Division or New Order might have ventured into had they been born at a later date. Perfectly crafted for a dark, dank basement Goth club, filled with buxom leather-clad beauties, swaying from side to side under a sonic reverie.
See Also: Amorphis “Halo” Review
The Colossal Sleep delivers six new songs which further develop and expand upon the melodic and melancholic foundations built on Deeper Graves Open Roads debut, with Jeff Wilson handling vocals, guitars, bass, synthesizers, keyboards, programming, and all other instrumentation. Entirely engineered, mixed, and mastered by Wilson at the Disorder Recordings headquarters, the record is completed with cover art by Awo Prosatega and layout by Wilson, and features guest vocals from Heath Rave (Lotus Thrones, ex-Wolvhammer) on the tracks Escape Velocity and Corridors.
Kicking off with Feverish Dreams, a slow building and soothing track that ultimately climbs into something reminiscent of Alcest or later-day Anathema. Soothing vocals, over dark-underlying tones, that create a feeling of comfort while also emitting despair. In Cold Blood begins with an electric pulsating beat that dives into yet more beautiful desolation. A vocal echo further adds to the atmospheric alliteration, blissful helplessness as if submitting to the end of days. On Corridors, Deeper Graves explore a more electro approach, while 15000 Lives and final number, Distant Fires, offer a slowed pace and a chance for more depressingly fantastic moments. What makes this such a sublime release, is the artists ability to make the doomier aspects of life seem so poignant. Giving the listener a way to feel at ease with the somberness that many of us sometimes fall into. Beauty in darkness. The goal of any body or art, is to evoke emotion – and that doesn’t always have to be happiness.
For now, it would seem that the only options available for purchase, are Compact Discs or digitally, through Deeper Graves‘ bandcamp site. Hopefully vinyl becomes available at a later date.
For Fans Of: Joy Division, Darkseed, Bauhaus
Track Listing:
01. Feverish Dreams
02. Escape Velocity
03. In Cold Blood
04. 15000 Lives
05. Corridors
06. Distant Fires
Pros & Cons
- Fantastic and lush soundscapes
- Atmospheric, yet solemn
- Lack of a vinyl version
