Album Review // 2023-01-09

Ahab

The Coral Tombs

Released: 2023-01-13

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I discovered this band one evening when I was watching new music videos that came out. I loved their video for Colossus of the Liquid Graves. You should check it out if you haven't. Very well done and original. I wanted to hear more!

I was pleased to find out the band has actually made their whole theme about ocean stories. Again, this is kind of refreshing. I like when a band latches on to a theme and doesn't let go, especially a theme that isn't overly common.

I have to admit, I have not read Moby Dick, nor heard the stories in any other format. This band is named after a captain from these stories, which is very fitting!

The name of the album, The Coral Tombs, is pretty cool. It speaks to an ocean, but obviously one that is dangerous and/or that you spend much of your life and death in.

I really enjoyed reviewing this album. The music here is very different and interesting to check out.

Album Artwork

I really like this artwork. The greyscale with only some red tones coming through does a great job of creating a gloomy atmosphere. The squid is very cool, and looks partially human. I like the details of seeing the hammerheads and the stingrays and even the coral. There is the indication of death here, with the body being carried to an obvious grave. Overall, very creative. I really like this!

Mood

I feel like the mood is succumbing to this dark adventure that leaves you feeling vulnerable. The atmosphere does have a lonely sense. Almost like if you have ever worked a night shift or early morning shift, it truly feels like you are the only one that exists where you are. 

Vocals

The way these clean vocals are used seem almost clever, as they remind me of waves. His voice is muffled and wavering, and very hard to understand, I must add. Because of this, I'm sorry to say that I couldn't figure out some lyrics. I really enjoy singing in a long drawn out way, so I get that, especially for this genre, but I am not going to lie - I wanted him to just spit it out at times. In the last few songs of the album, I had had enough of it and didn't want to hear it anymore. There is quite a lot of it on this album.

The harsh vocal works for this type of music, but because it is often so drawn out, it made me think of sitting in a vocal booth waiting for your turn to sing. It feels a little muted and unconfident. I actually checked to see if this was the same vocalist the band has had since the beginning, to see how much experience he has had, and he is. So, I believe this is the sound they wanted.

The band invited vocalist Chris Dark, from Ultha, to contribute on the opening song, and I think it worked to set the descent-into-the-ocean mood. They also had guest vocalist Greg Chandler on The Mælstrom, which, personally, is my least favourite track.

I prefer the songs that used both styles. The contrast is good.

Music

I really like the landscape created in the first four songs. They give you the extra sounds you might associate with descending into the ocean and then being in that environment. The riffs, use of effects, and song layouts feel nautical but still metal, with more melodic portions and heavier portions. They are memorable and get stuck in my head. The guitar parts in the opener, in the middle of the song, really gave it a good change and added to the atmosphere. I often don't like solos/lead guitar parts, but it felt very cohesive. It is an example of times it was used nicely on this album. 

I found by the second half of the album, I wanted something more. It was feeling too slow and too repetitive for me, and was losing the interesting parts. If it had ended there, halfway through the story, it would have been just right for me as someone who obviously isn't a hardcore funeral doom fan. I found myself most drawn to songs with contrast, dynamics, atmosphere, and death elements supporting the doom aspects. This may in fact be my body's reaction to all metal that is in this slower vein. And I am not talking bath music relaxation level; I am talking slow enough that it causes me physical anxiety. If this slow place is your thing, you will really enjoy this album.

I did my best to hear the lyrics but they were very hard to make out. I will update the lyrics when they become available.

Prof. Arronax’ Descent into the Vast Oceans

I like the illustration of descending into the ocean here. This it the tale of the Nautilus. I have watched 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea once, and that is the story being told here. I think even for the ocean-loving folk, there is some aspect of fear going deep into the ocean. For me, personally, there would be outright hysteria. Being in a tight space under water with dangerous creatures is my worst nightmare. In the story, it is definitely under uncertain circumstances.

It disappeared
The beginning and the end
Watch me, watch me

Below the surface, strange motion
Watch out, so close
A heavy light storm, a heavy light storm

Colossus of the Liquid Graves  

I think this is about the altercations we see in the story with giant squids and the lives taken, but it is even more than that. It is the horror felt by the captain and crew when there is danger and death. That feeling of responsibility and regret.

Well, always been wrong
Father time almost going .....

Right before my very eyes ..... was a deep sea ....
Long before we leave the sea, the surface was ...... me

All I am saying

Captain gathered tears in his eyes

Mobilis in Mobili

Sorry, I can't understand the lyrics at all...

The Sea as a Desert    

I think this speaks to the isolation felt under the ocean in this situation. A desert is often associated with being dry and vast. The main character, Captain Nemo, specifically was driven by desperation, and loss of his loved ones.

The sea as a desert
Fearless eyes staring at the ground
And hands that are infinite
All your desperate cries
I hunt for thee

A Coral Tomb

This song is the title of the album and obviously what is featured in the album art. There is a death of a crewman in the story. I think it can go deeper here, and speak to the desperation and isolation felt being in the situation of being a crew member on a submarine and experiencing the danger and death.

Funeral procession
At the bottom of the seas.
Kneel before the grave, pay reverence.
Our dead sleep quietly, at least.

Rest, my friend,
Guarded by zoophytes.
Safe from shark and man,
Entombed by wondrous wights!

Ægri Somnia    

This title can be translated to wild dreams. I get the feeling it is that drive to keep going in hard situations, keep putting one foot in front of the other, because you believe there is something worthwhile around the corner. If you are a determined person, you know how much you can latch onto a dream. 

Deep in the .... his face transfigured 
..... ..... ....
Soul would you
Forbidden secrets
Suspended here in the reaches of the sea
As I try to resist, my breathing alone

The Mælstrom

A big moment in the story is a storm encounter. This is a challenge for any seaman, and brings in danger. Sorry, I can't understand much of the lyrics.

Monstrous
clinging to the .....
Almighty ......

Song Pick

Prof. Arronax’ Descent into the Vast Oceans will make it to my playlist. I think it is a great way to open up the album.

Colossus of the Liquid Graves will also make it to my playlist. It first drew me to this band. I like the dynamics in it and harsh to clean contrast.