Wovenhand aren’t metal, but they sure are heavy. We’ve talked about the alternative country project in the past, and it remains as one of the only Country/Western acts I enjoy. Dark atmospheres and tribal flair under apocalyptic gospel lyrics are a regular occurrence for the act, and it makes for a striking dynamic for fans of heavier music. I’m not the only one who thinks so, either; Converge‘s Jacob Bannon took notice and signed the band to his Deathwish Inc. label, which was shocking news to me when I first heard about it earlier this year.
Now, ‘Hiss‘, the first track from Wovenhand’s Deathwish Inc. debut (their seventh overall) Refractory Obdurate, has been made available, and it’s quite the change of pace from their past work. The post-rock influence was always sort of there in one form or another, but ‘Hiss‘ sounds much more amplified in a punk/post-rock fashion. You can check out the single below:
According to the press release, the rest of the record is likely to follow in suit:
Wovenhand cannot be described in traditional terms. Their sound is an organic, weavework of neo-folk, post rock, punk, old-time, and alternative sounds. All coming together as a vehicle for David’s soulful expression and constant spiritual self exploration. Sometimes sad and sorrowed and at other times uplifting, Wovenhand are always unforgettable in spirit and sound.
“Refractory Obdurate” is the latest album from Wovenhand. Joining David on this album are longtime percussionist Ordy Garrison, along with musicians Chuck French and Neil Keener (Planes Mistaken For Stars, Git Some).
“Refractory Obdurate” is a moving masterwork that shows Wovenhand exploring louder roots hinted at on prior albums. As they maintain their melodious course, “Good Shepherd”, “Field of Hedon”, and “Hiss”, stomp forth with a newly amplified punk rock heart. While “The Refractory”, “Salome”, and “Obdurate Obscura” each ascend epically into a multi-layered haze. Ten songs in all, “Refractory Obdurate” plays as a beautifully crafted patchwork that transcends genres and expectation; a true artistic achievement, that only Wovenhand could offer.
This is going to be interesting! Refractory Obdurate will be out April 29th on Deathwish Inc. Pre-orders are now available at this location.
– JR