ALBUM REVIEW: Igorrr – ‘Amen’

The grandiose absurdity of Igorrr’s untameable arrangements, eclectic stylistic influences and clever sound design to convey the concepts of each song through the sonic quality. Exploring dark themes, Amen is heavier, while also more explorative of other genres, as it delivers a thrilling and controlled chaos.

An eerie manifestation of razor-edged synths, bass tones, operatic choir backing and ghostly vocals introduces Daemoni with a dramatic edge. Featuring Mike Leon and Timba Harris, the track soon erupts into a thundering heaviness with the gothic mood continuing through orchestral strings and the returning choir. The stylistic character of music soon shifts and morphs with flamenco-esque acoustic guitar parts placed amidst the ferocious. Headbutt, featuring Mike Leon, lives up to its title as the opening sounds like one has thrown their own head against the piano keys. Leaving behind the gothic in favour of obliterating death- and black-metal inspirations produces a juxtaposition against the sweeping ebb and flow of piano melodies and operatic vocal accompaniment.

The choir opening to Limbo (bringing back Mike Leon alongside Lily Refrain) returns with a sense of grandeur. The gentle acoustic guitar melody is haunting in its minimalist nature, soon joined by twinkling piano notes and soprano vocals. The shrill of distorted guitars erupting into full metal band brings forth a burst of power. Alternating the angelic and the monstrous, Limbo remains firmly, and uncomfortably, between the two.

The solemnity of the previous tracks is sharply interrupted by entering realms of absurdity. Blastbeat Falafel, featuring Trey Spruance of Mr. Bungle and composer Timba Harris. The intriguing and characterful nature of this track sees the brutal heaviness combined with a delightful contrast of traditional oriental instruments. ADHD (once again with Harris)leans further into the discordant and eclectic. Distinctive squelching synths and electronic beats are chaotically arranged. A sudden shift to orchestral wind instruments sees a moment of calm before the pandemonium resumes. Igorrr includes what is perhaps the most apt sonic representation of the year 2020 in the track that takes its name. This short explosion of sheer disarray and turmoil, despite passing by quickly, leaves a lasting impact.

Mustard Mucous featuring Scott Ian (of Anthrax, Mr. Bungle and plenty others), descends into an onslaught of rhythmic heaviness. Abrasive electronics and unexpected moments of humour interject across the song. An atmospheric greeting emerges from Infestis, with Mike Leon. An emotive droning builds anticipation with rhythmic percussion. The oriental inspired introduction is soon met with an aggressive metal sound. Across the track, the two elements alternate and intertwine with choir backing returning once again to instate an unearthly power. Timba Harris and Lily Refrain return for Ancient Sun, whichsees Igorrr push further musical boundaries—hip-hop vibes arise alongside operatic vocal performances and alluring melodies across a multitude of instruments including harp and theremin. There’s an underlying darkness to the song that is never quite resolved as it journeys through sections that develop as the track progresses.

Enticing melodies, dramatic hits and gothic choir vocals set the mood for the arrival of Pure Disproportionate Black And White Nihilism. As might be expected from the track’s title, an unyielding attack of heaviness hits in waves. Electronic layers enhance the texture of the sound, while the interspersed choir continues the ethereal quality. The acoustic interlude, Étude n°120 offers a moment to breathe. The minimalist arrangement of acoustic guitar and operatic vocal provides a brief sensation of calm and serenity, perhaps necessary after the maximalist heaviness of the previous track. Silence is an epitome of Igorrr’s experimentation through contradiction. Grounded with a steadfast piano, orchestration elevates with an airy aspect into otherworldly realms, the corrosive electronics and intense percussion are carefully balanced.

Igorrr, alongside an array of impressive guests, throws away the rulebook to produce a majestic display of soundscaping. Amen fuses the imposing nature of classical and baroque with the ruinous impact of extreme metal subgenres, amidst the distinctive character of Igorrr’s creativity.

For fans of: Mr. Bungle, Imperial Triumphant, Zeal & Ardor

‘Amen’ by Igorrr is out now on Metal Blade Records.

Words by Holly Royle