When we're in the company of extreme metal, things tend to be dark and very aggressive in more ways than one. There's nothing wrong with that as that has been the basis for an endless number of fantastic albums that continue to be released with that number only growing with time, but there is always something to be said for the creations that seek to bring some sort of light into their midst even if it comes packaged with themes that are in opposition to such a concept. Post-metal is a sound that can easily bring about such an idea with surprising results, but it's not often enough that we get a band that can deliver on such promise. Building off of such a base with a clear infusion of black metal, the return of Ba'al is what the style has been desperately needing.
It's been four years since the rising name of Ba'al released new material with there being much that has changed in the world since the act last came around, and, surely, it had to have had an impact on what Ba'al would bring to the table whenever it was ready to once again make its presence known. Now, armed with three expansive tracks post-black metal, "Soft Eyes" sees the act come back from a long silence whose end is a real treat to witness. Expansive in nature and almost warm to the touch in plenty of instances, "Soft Eyes" is a wondrously dynamic experience that never compromises its more intense sections in favor of trying to rise the listener up to endure the raging storm with the themes and concepts that are constantly swirling within these three tracks nothing that can easily be turned down. This is a harrowing listen that could have very easily been one that takes a depressive turn given it tackles ideas of loss and grief, but Ba'al rose above the lift the listener alongside them to ensure that "Soft Eyes" isn't just another gloomy work of black metal that hardly does anything that even barely resembles something fresh and interesting. Incorporating many different sounds to further enhance what they bring to the table in less than thirty minutes, Ba'al held nothing back with its return.
A shimmering creation that has a ton to offer, this is an EP that Ba'al should be more than proud of. Not only is it the perfect springboard for the band to use as a glorious return to the fray, but it also shows us that Ba'al is an act that is not to be taken lightly now more than ever before. Concise and evocative right from the very beginning, "Soft Eyes" has tons to offer should you simply let it take your hand.
"Soft Eyes" releases on May 3rd via Ripcord Records!
LISTEN to an advanced track from "Soft Eyes" on Bandcamp here.
LIKE Ba'al on Facebook here.
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