Novarupta - Astral Sands

Astral Sands is the final word in a tetralogy of albums by Novarupta, all inspired by the four elements. Their last release was Carrion Movements (2022) whose two sprawling instrumental tracks were a truly compelling, exquisitely executed set of emotionally involved post-metal. Astral Sands re-introduces singing and, ambitiously, a slew of guest vocalists across the record. For sure, when bands that make powerful instrumental music introduce lyrics and singing, there is the risk their sound loses some of its mystique or interpretative potential. Yet, in this case, Novarupta, have put together a work that is coherent, utterly beguiling and, at times, inspired.

Firstly, despite the long list of guest singers and the variation of their styles, this record is remarkably cogent and fluid. At several points, Novarupta do sound like a fairly different proposition to their previous output, though their impactful, widescreen emotionalism is very familiar. Astral Sands sits in the interstices of rock styles whereby it’s not heavy music but is played by musicians of that discipline and it veers into dark indie, post-punk and post-rock. It also oozes from every pore a gripping atmosphere and moody tension. There are echoes of mid-career transition Katatonia, latter day Tiamat, The Cure, distant echoes of Joy Division or indie shoe-gaze like Slowdive. The opening track Seven Collides is one of the heavier songs, fuzzy with a dirty base, sneering vocals and an intense noir dark pop rock.

This band are capable of penning enthralling harmonies but these are often oblique or understated in delivery. The Bullet Shines Before Impact is packed with light touch, contemplative melodies and breathy catchy choruses. The single The Clay Keeps and Terraforming Celestial Bodies are baroque gothic indie that are both melancholic and singalong. Misery Loves Company’s Patrik Wiren guests on Breathe Breathe which is reminiscent of their stately Your Vision Was Never Mine to Share era.

Astral Sands is not a heavy record nor a display of theatrical technicality. The song structures are deceivingly simple and the album is mid-paced, contemplative shimmery hazy rock. Novarupta do, however, have a masterly grasp of nifty interplays and clever layering to optimum impact. And, overwhelmingly, this is a record that relies on its arresting atmosphere that is haunting, reflective, brooding. The Novarupta legacy is a treasure trove of Scandinavian rock noir that will most likely remain in the gloaming of the underground. With the flagrant manufactured, dumbed-down cach that adorns the front cover of Kerrang! just remember that music-led acts like this still exist and are well worth searching.

Astral Sands is available via Suicide Records