Last updated on 10 July 2020
Tired of having your ears assaulted by harsh metal sounds? Wanna switch to something quieter, but not necessarily weaker? Something pretty complex, not the usual thumping you get? If the answer is yes, then you need to go to Poland. And try out Moanaa and their new full-length record Passage.
Their strangely progressive and blackened Post Metal style showcases nicely throughout the record, moving from relatively soft beginnings through steady progression towards a pretty cool closure at the end of the record.
And they pull out all the stops. It’s indeed a predominately progressive style they sport. Yet you’ll get your fair share of psychedelics and doom. There is much more to it, of course, but it would tire you out if I were to list them all.
Some parts of Passage sound like a tortured incarnation of Moonspell with an even darker edge, if that’s possible. Then again, they sail through ambient and atmospheric moments without any apparent effort. Or indulge in abject djentism, just to jump on the Leprous train.
I particularly liked the changes from clear vocals to early Tiamat-esque screams that do not fail to produce a rough, kind of harsh, but still very interesting atmosphere. In short, Passage will keep you on your toes until the bitter end. Never boring or dull, a very good record that can only be recommended.
Moanaa got together in 2009 in Bielsko-Biala, Poland. The band issued a first full length called Descent in 2014. Their second offering released in September 2016.
Try some? Here is the official stream:
*****
Label: Arachnophobia Records | Web: Facebook