Three years after the acclaimed “Through Aureate Void”, UK’s Five The Hierophant are back with “Apeiron”, their third studio work under a new label! This instrumental album brings their signature atmospheric doom-jazz-metal fusion to new and exciting heights. If you thought their earlier work was out there, brace yourself — this one’s a real dim trip!
“Apeiron” blends post-black metal, avant-garde metal, atmospheric, doom, psychedelic, ambient, and jazz into a hypnotic soundscape that’s as heavy as it is dreamy. It’s not your typical atmospheric instrumental album, but it’s got that same knack for grabbing you with killer atmospheres and tight musicianship. The band — Jon on saxophone, Gavin on bass and effects, Chris on drums and percussion, and Kali on guitars and effects — works like a well-oiled machine. Each member adds their own flavor to this genre-defying fusion. The songwriting is sharper than ever, with an esoteric flair and an atmospheric quality that weaves dark, sprawling vibes with moments of raw intensity, transporting listeners through dark hazes.
The production is rich, dynamic, and full. The album was engineered and mixed by Sam Thredder at Cro’s Nest in London and mastered by Haldor Grunberg (Satanic Audio). All instruments sound well-balanced, especially the saxophone, which croons, wails, and carries the melodies like a vocalist. The band throws in unusual instruments like horns, trumpets, gongs, bells, violins, and even skull shakers, creating a cinematic, almost ritualistic feel.
There are no standout tracks here. This album should be listened to in absolute silence at night under the moonlight or candlelight. “Apeiron” kicks things off with a haunting sax melody over a groovy bassline, building to chaotic, proggy freakouts that’ll hook you instantly. “Moon Over Ziggurat” drips with Middle Eastern mystery, its sludgy riffs and hypnotic drums pulling you deeper. “Initiatory Sickness” is a beast, with a massive climax driven by percussion and buzzing guitars — perfect for headbanging in a dream state. “Uroboros” weaves reverb-soaked melodies with sneaky tambourine rattles, and “Tower of Silence I” adds a creepy, ambient edge. The only miss might be “Tower of Silence II” — it’s moody but feels a bit flat as a closer. With every spin, this album becomes seven times more intriguing.
“Apeiron” (meaning “boundless” in Greek) lives up to its name, taking Five The Hierophant’s sound to unknown musical and mystical places. This album is certainly not for everyone. Mainstream rock fans might find it too weird, but if you’re into experimental, atmospheric instrumental music, “Apeiron” will satisfy your cravings. This album puts Five The Hierophant on the map as one of 2024’s boldest acts. Give it a spin, and let it take you somewhere dark and trippy. You won’t regret it!
