Within Vokonis's Blinding Sludge, Even Darkness Must "Exist WIthin Light" (Early EP Stream)
A heady mix of determination and optimism flows within Vokonis's new EP, Exist WIthin Light. Though the Swedish band packs in plenty of aggressive riffs and often stunning tonal shifts, even its deadliest sections ride on a tide of uplifting energy. The EP is another step forward in the band's ongoing journey away from slow and surreal stoner-doom to speedier and, well, less doomed material. To summarize: same heaviness, different execution, and the band is only getting better as they go. Check out the whole EP here before it drops on Friday.
While Vokonis is probably on average faster than they might have been half a decade ago, Exist Within Light isn't a full-on rager. The concluding title track's melancholic pace harkens back to their doom origins, but although it's got fuzz-fueled riffs forming a meaty core, these are just pieces of a complex puzzle that Vokonis builds from subtly complex drumming and melodic layers. Preceded by two smart, snappy rockers ("Houndstooth" and "Revengeful"), the title track's thoughtful pacing and muscular heaviness closes off the EP in style, with lyrics that are equally likely to inspire listeners as they are to bring them to tears.
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The band comments:
It’s about time we released something. It's dire times for people and this is our reflection of that. We can't stay silent. Rights are being taken away, yet we the people still remain. We hope this could bring a glimmer of hope to everyone who enjoys our music.
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Exist Within Light releases October 27th via Majestic Mountain Records.
