How strange that the first CD I'm finally sitting down to write about in 2010 was actually released way back in 2008!? But I was so impressed by Reykjavík, Iceland's Celestine on their debut that it's better late than never for the band's sophomore full-length, "This Home Will be Our Grave" (released by Molestin Records), which their former drummer (who played on this album) was kind enough to send me a couple of months ago (His own personal copy, no less!? And check out his blog, Halifax Collect, too!). Thankfully this outing is a very suitable follow-up, offering eight tracks of crushing heaviness in a little over a half-hour. Expect loads of utterly pounding, churning rhythms and absolutely scathing vocals, this time accentuated by an increase in the warped, angular riffing that appears alongside the various forays into discordant twists and turns with little tinges of buried melody. And it's all wrapped up in a fuckin' killer recording that really lets all of the elements work together as a whole: Bashing percussion, an absolutely mammoth bass tone, dense yet aptly rugged guitars, and of course those throat-shredding vocal textures. These guys do it so, so right, and I'm always eagerly awaiting more from 'em—even if it does take an extra year or two sometimes!
It's a damn shame this one hasn't been released in the US yet, and this band still deserves a hell of a lot more attention across the globe. So fucking good...
Comments
thats great! and a good idea
1.25.2010 | By Omar
WOW. That shit is great. Right in my wheelhouse—atonal, dense, a little tiny bit sludgy/doomy. Very, very well done. Sounds something like older Isis with a better editor. Where can I download?
1.25.2010 | By Blatant
“where can i download”. really? i mean, really?
1.25.2010 | By m
Great music. You can find some very very good bands on Iceland. But I guess most of the people just “miss” them…
1.25.2010 | By Carlos
m: google celestine blogspot and you’re good.
1.25.2010 | By Birkir
Heh, this has more to share with Celeste than the name.
1.26.2010 | By inhalexhale
F**k, this is really good, too. I need to get with the program. This has sort of a French feeling to it.
1.26.2010 | By Invisible Oranges
This kind of bass sound is all one really needs in life. As with Born to Expire a while back, you have to wonder why so many bands fail to realize its power. This song drew a smile to my face, especially the part around 3:30. Just listen to that fucking bass! Then listen to any other track back to back and you’ll find it lacking.
Thanks for this.
1.28.2010 | By Chris
Don’t compare that boring born to expire horseshit to this, i always thought Celestine were like Unfold with a southern slant, just a great release & band.
2.20.2010 | By Jack