VATTNET (LP)

With the release of their widely heralded 2015 album Settler, New Hampshire's Vattnet (formerly Vattnet Viskar,) rode the line between American black metal and a more experimental blend of atmospheric, melody driven metal. But in a genre known for its uncompromising aggression and dark nature, Vattnet found themselves the odd band out, as they explored both the light and darkness of their musical nature on tour. The band was formed in 2010 by founding members Chris Alfieri (guitars) and Nick Thornbury (ex-vocalist/guitarist) and eventually rounded out with Aylward on bass and drummer Seamus Menihane. Their early work was very much influenced by blending straight-forward American black metal acts such as Wolves In The Throne Room with more eclectic groups like Agalloch and Nachtmystium. We toured pretty heavily and at the end of it Nick realized it just wasn't for him, Aylward said. We had to go back to square one. Soon after Thornbury's departure, the remaining three members returned to their practice space, free of expectations and pressure, to begin forging a new musical path for themselves. The result is Vattnet's new self-titled album released on Canadian indie label New Damage Records. Their new shortened moniker came as a result of Thornbury's departure and a way for them to sever the ties to their past without fully abandoning the band's history.?The self titled eight song album is a grand sonic departure from the tremelo picking, blast beats and guttural vocals from the band's formative years, that now boldly raises the bar set on Settler and their 2013 debut album Sky Swallower, with an aurally diverse blend of melody, heavy angular progressive riffs and and clean vocals from Aylward, now stepping into the lead vocal position. Their music has always been a time and place for them, and though the band doesn't rule out the possibility of one day returning to their black metal roots, it is clear by the bold and adventurous nature of their new album that they have no intention of looking back.