Album Review: Krishna – Absence Of Loss
Reviewed by Oli Gonzalez
Hailing from sunny Malta, we have post-metal exponents Krishna. Even the term post-metal seems a little reductionist as the word doesn’t fully encapsulate the vast blend of drone, ambient progressive, psychedelic and other sub genres that have influenced the band’s far-reaching sound. Previous efforts such as “Headless” demonstrate this broad and densely layered sound. This record in particular demonstrates the duo’s defiance and downright refusal to stick to traditional songwriting conventions as the album is comprised of a solitary 50 minute monolithic effort! Likely to deter casual spectators and lovers of music pumped out by the charts whilst being like catnip to those who seek something more unconventional and expansive in their music. “Absence Of Loss” is the band’s third release and aims to build on this foundation and demonstrate what they can bring to the world of alternative music.
Like anything in life, you can always view it from a glass half-empty point of view and reduce something to its bare constituent parts. Some may label the music as repetitive, especially with the pace of the song’s progressing like a glacial drip, and immediately write the album off. The 3 song’s hovering round the 25 minute may well certainly deter playlist curators and most radios.
Though here’s an alternative take. Whilst the music is indeed very gradual in its progression, think of it like a great stew or cooking Christmas dinner. Sure, you could throw something in the microwave, but it will be less satisfying than a meal you know you’ve had to graft and truly work for.
That’s how it feels here. Stick through these gradual progressions and you’ll be rewarded with huge cathartic bursts and hugely satisfying crescendos that make the investment in time feel absolutely worth it! Take ‘Abaddon’ for instance. The first 15 minutes or so allows you indulge in a seemingly minimalistic passage with intricate hypnotic guitar and bass lines intertwine to provide a deceptively complex tapestry, with the glass like tones being as aesthetic as they are soothing. The net result is a rather opulent passage that guides you into a relaxed trance like state, especially with the dynamics consistent and comforting. Then in the latter stages of the song, your eardrums will be flooded with the most infectious crunching grooves and chunky guitar riffs, sounding like something from the Mastadon playbook! 25 minutes pass way faster than 25 minutes should do! Though you won’t fully appreciate this crushing finale without going through the first passage.
‘Cryogenic Tomb’ is another example of this slow yet rewarding build, but provides a showcase of guitarist Tim’s vast knowledge of the effects pedals, carving out some rather delightful guitar tones, as introspective as they are atmospheric! Though the distortion comes out in the latter stages, shifting the point of attack and texture of the song. The album’s title track build’s on the theme of introspection, with ‘Absence Of Loss’ feeling bleak, austere, and melancholic in it’s delivery in the outset, before gradually morphing into something more aggressive and abrasive. When, once again, the wall of distortion closes in on you, the dynamics become less sombre, and the undertone becoming more urgent and frantic with each passing note! A gripping crescendo that is again best enjoyed when the song is listened to in whole!
Look, there’s no use sugarcoating this. Some people will simply not be into this kind of music, nor will they have the desire to sit through 25 minute songs! Though for some, this is a triumph in experimental music, demonstrating creativity and artistic expression that are truly boundless.
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