We Heavy Bloggers are a loosely defined bunch; our tastes range from all across the gamut of metal and beyond. But if you’d like to see pretty much all of us react in the same way (that is, fleeing or crying for mercy) you could try saying the following words: “hey, I have this instrumental djent album I’d like you listen to and the year is 2018”. Much shrieking and the covering of ears is bound to ensue. However, in spite of what I just said, I’m here to recommend you an album that’s exactly that, an instrumental djent album released in this, the <current year>. But ah, there’s just one more thing: it also features fully fleshed out and beautifully composed folk guitars. Intrigued? Let’s jump into A Mobius Knot.
Much like Andy Hauck, who I covered on here a few weeks or so ago, A Mobius Knot’s Journey takes modern progressive metal (often a euphemism for djent, these days) and blends it with really nifty guitar ideas. The first, self titled track for example has these winding guitar leads that run above the chugs and add a quirky tone that’s hard to resist to the composition. The second track, “Adapt”, adds a great piano backing line and multiplies the acoustic guitar tracks; this adds a lot of layers to the track and interesting interactions between leads, arpeggios, build up and releases that make us think of Ulvesang. Worth mentioning is also the bass guitar, which has its moment in the sun closer to the track’s ending and works beautifully with the recurring theme of the track.
You’ll find plenty more of these ideas further down the line. They all coalesce to create this sort of dreamy landscape, filled with modern sounding guitar tones alongside some really well thought out acoustic ideas. It’s more than just a throwaway gimmick; it’s clear that the band feel deeply about the types of music that they’re blending. Perhaps that’s what raises this above the crop of progressive music today; it feels alive and passionate instead of regurgitated and recycled. Regardless of what makes it tick, Journey is a fantastic album if you’re looking to get lost in some well made and unique sounds.