Astral Noize

A debut release for a band usually comes in the form of a demo or an EP, with a few tracks to showcase their sound. Some bands however go all in, and release a 40 minute instrumental track across two movements as their first musical offering. Case in point with The Fly & The Nail by UK post metallers DOEM.

Across this release, the band spread their musical influences across two main areas: guitar driven ambience and filthy, properly filthy, sludge metal. The fuzzed out riff on ‘The Nail’ will happily attest to this. This second movement might actually be the strongest of the two here, with its favourable lean towards the heavier side of DOEM’s repertoire. The outro to this movement also feels like a congregation of all the musical ideas presented on this release, played together. It’s a great sense of resolution, as if the past 30 odd minutes have been a preface to this huge riff climax. That isn’t to say the more post metal elements present aren’t strong in their own rights; far from it. The Earth-like jam halfway through ‘The Fly’ has a great live feel to it, with the rattling snare wires really painting the live room for the listener; you can practically feel the band members nodding to each other and giving out subtle musical cues. Indeed, if this wasn’t recorded live then the band are probably wizards or something. In the heavier sections, like the one that succeeds the aforementioned jam, there’s a certain sense of the band just letting go, and seeing how much they can wring out of a crushing riff. 

The Fly & The Nail is a prime example of musical chemistry and patience. Though at times the band stray from their strengths, they’re quick to find their footing again and bludgeon you with a nasty riff, or elsewhere to force astral projection with delicate, ambient sections.

The Fly & The Nail is out now and can be purchased here.

Words: Sean Elias