Los Angeles-based progressive black/doom outfit QAALM will unleash their stunning second full-length studio album, “Grave Impressions of an Unbroken Arc”, on November 1st via Hypaethral Records.
“Grave Impressions of an Unbroken Arc” captures the full breadth of QAALM’s vision: an album awash in soul-crushing riffs, dense, evocative atmospheres, and deeply personal lyrics showcasing the band’s signature ability to fuse immersive doom with melodic black metal, post-metal, and progressive rock. Drawing from a vast array of influences like Dark Tranquillity, Dissection, Sisters Of Mercy, King Crimson, and early Peaceville doom, each track weaves a tapestry of introspection and crushing intensity aided by the skillful engineering of Paul Fig and expert mixing and mastering of Zeuss, two powerhouses who’ve collectively worked with the likes of Slipknot, Hatebreed, and Municipal Waste.
First single, “Hangman’s Lament”, serves as a powerful introduction to the album’s themes, inviting listeners to confront the complexities of identity and the roles we adopt within our lives. Vocalist Henry Derek Elis’ haunting melodies drive the song’s emotional weight, while the band highlights their more progressive influences, introducing tension and building to an epic, tremolo-picked, climax.
Comments Elis: “People wear many faces. Sometimes it obscures a hidden agenda. Other times, it’s a defense mechanism. But mostly, people like attention. They want to be heroes. I ask myself, ‘which character would I most likely want to portray within this masquerade?’ Certainly not the villain. But I am comfortable being the bad guy when I have to be. Then there’s the victim. In my opinion, the least flattering role. Give him enough rope and he’ll hang himself. That’s where you come in”.
Watch the lyric video for “Hangman’s Lament” below.
“Grave Impressions of an Unbroken Arc” includes cover art by Vladislav Cadaversky and will be released on CD (six-panel digipak), limited LP (100 Radiant Sun + 100 Black), and digital formats. Fans of Mizmor, Pallbearer, YOB, Edge Of Sanity, Agalloch, Mastodon, and Baroness, pay heed.
For physical preorders, visit the Hypaethral Records webshop here. For digital orders, visit Bandcamp here.
Tracklist:
1. Borderlands
2. Shadows Behind the Sun
3. King of Contradiction
4. Hangman’s Lament
Line-up:
Henry Derek Elis – Vocals, lead/rhythm guitars
Minsu Dylan Kim – Lead/rhythm guitars
Dave Ferrara – Drums
Chris Cozzi – Bass (Session)
Web:
linktr.ee/qaalm
