Icosandria - s/t

     Icosandria's self-titled is a sound I feel like I've been searching for for a while: a brilliant fusion of blackgaze, post-rock, and metalcore. Although, unlike most bands, Icosandria manages to do them all at once, with chugging guitars mixed with droning guitars drenched in reverb. The best example of this is their first track and 7 minute long epic Eternal Void of Amnesia, easily the highlight of the entire EP. The droning guitars, a la Slowdive, keep you entranced while mixing perfectly with the heavier guitars and blast beats. Near the middle there's a beautiful post-rock section, that then leads into a dreamy metalcore breakdown. There's even a nice little ambient piano section at the end of the song, with very pretty bells. Overall this is a perfect song, it keeps me engaged from start to finish with it's mature songwriting and arrangement and clever blend of styles.

    What is then a very funny case of stylistic whiplash, we go from the ambient ending of track 1 to the... drum and bass intro of track 2, Roshinu. To say this caught me off guard is an understatement, however, it does highlight the core strength of the album; this album does not get boring. No section overstays its welcome. This track also features metalgaze-y clean sung sections interchanging with reverberated deathcore (deathgaze is real) sections. There's so much to love here.

    Track 3, Ramifications, is another highlight from the EP. This track is a little special, as it takes a post-rock ambient style drenched in reverb rather than any form of metal. It's also the shortest track, clocking in at 3 minutes, however it's a personal favorite of mine. It transitions very nicely into track 4, Apricus, too. 

    Apricus keeps the strong songwriting going. The track has a beautiful mix of harsh and clean vocals, alluring, hypnotic interludes, and probably the best synth work in the whole EP. The 2nd half of the song is just as strong too, going from a soothing ambience to energetic blast beats with droning guitars, then returning to the sublime, harmonized chorus.

    This EP is a fantastic and creative blend of multiple, vastly differing styles into a coherent, enjoyable EP. It's really an underrated gem that I am very glad to have stumbled upon it. 

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