GRANT THE SUN - Biomes

The album starts off with “All Who Wander”, a duality of the soft and technical meeting heavy riffs, descending into an exploration of progressive, post, and many things between. “Tedium” instantly has some discordance and aggression, followed by the slower-paced “Gold,” that is a beauty of its own. Tracks have twangs, heavy riffing, at times a hint of groovy bass – there is always a shift keeping the music engaging and varied. 

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Vocals are few and far between, returning on “A Chemical Floor.” Martin Rygge provides heavier vocals and the screams, as well as guitar on the project, full of aggression. There’s a skilled dynamism in Håvard Sveberg’s approach to drumming, often constant and changing pace to lead the music along the experimental swirl with guitars fluidly following suit. “The Taos Hum” is another riff-filled track, full of thumping percussion and calming notes to juxtapose.

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The duality within Biomes is consistent throughout, a key theme of the album as it merges the contrast of post-metal and heavy progressive elements, forming something new in its evolution. In what was quoted as “their proudest moment as a band,” Grant the Sun have created something complex and cohesive, demonstrative of their technical skill and openminded approach to experimentation. Illustrated on the album cover is a lush rainforest, where the band capture this colour in the sound.

“Canopy” in its title alone evokes the above, where Markus Lillehaug Johnsen’s clean vocals accompany, along with strong bass and guitars. “Jaguar” pumps up the aggression and screams once more, but both voices come together in this track to create a sense of balance. “Final Breath” has a dreamlike soundscape, followed by the moodier “Heliconia”, the two a highlight of the emotional expression carried through the music. “Speck of Sand” goes heavy on the bass to start, grounded and technical with a dreamlike wonder.

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Nothing is spared on final track “Cinder,” with fervent drumbeats and a memorable riffing solo, it brings together elements of the rest of Biomes to create a memorable last track.

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Biomes feels like a meditative exploration of what can be done within the progressive space, with plenty of energy, unexpected shifts and full of expression. It is an adventure for Grant the Sun, full of colourful riffs and creative approaches, creating this balanced, unique collaboration between the trio.

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SCORE 9/10

Reviewed by GhostintheamouR