Return to Annihilation is the latest slab of drone from Chicago's veterans of psychedelic noise Locrian, and first for metal label Relapse Records. Actually, to be fair, calling Locrian 'drone' or 'noise' really doesn't do them justice, as it's not like these guys are all that similar to Sunn0))), Earth, or the like, but there is a repetitive, droning nature to their music that does bring those acts to mind. Throw in some Tangerine Dream, Goblin, and other assorted '70s horror/sci-fi soundtrack masters into the fray and you have Locrian. Steady rhythms and bubbling keyboards permeate the mix on the spacey "A Visitation From the Wrath of Heaven", while lilting guitar chords give way to what sounds like distorted Hammond organ or synth shards on the eerie "Two Moons". The band comes close to post-apocalyptic black metal on both the chilling title track and "Panorama of Mirrors", and build lengthy, ominous progressive rock soundscapes on the epic "Obsolete Elegies" that recalls early Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, King Crimson, and Genesis. Amazing what some Mellotron, piano, guitar, synth, and sitar can do.
Though not all of Return to Annihilation works or keeps your attention span, a good half of what is on display here actually is damn impressive. What does work comes across as quite menacing and really creates some serious mood, and for those tracks alone this one is worth checking into.
Track Listing
1) Eternal Return
2) A Visitation From the Wrath of Heaven
3) Two Moons
4) Exiting the Hall of Vapor and Light
5) Return to Annihilation
6) Panorama of Mirrors
7) Obsolete Elegies
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