Tal
Glare of the Sun
•
July 12, 2024
From their EPK, “On their third album “Tal,” GLARE OF THE SUN pursue the approach of taking their listeners on an musical journey through premonitions and the intangible. It is not surprising that the concept of the record is based on both resignation and confidence. After all, the songs juxtapose extremes that interact with each other, are mutually dependent and form a larger whole in their interplay. “ The album has nine songs, and “Colossus” is first. The song has a lot of tension in it. The backbone is strong and thick, and the combination of whispered vocals with harsh ones ensures it stays interesting. There are also some somber melodies present, dripping with sadness and regret. “Rain” is much more delicate, and emotional. His clean vocals are almost like someone who is numb, and has lost their sense of self, and the song title parallels this…a steady rain can be crippling. “Relikt” had delicate opening tones, but you know that dreadful storm is coming…and boy does it. The harsh vocals are delivered in a way that you can’t really tell if they are coming from a point of pain and torture, or anger, and that is their inherent strength.
“Stonefall” begins with ominous bells and very thick tension. It lingers in the background until the main riff hits, slow and very punishing. Coupled with the harsh vocals, emotions run high, and the delicate passage brings back tension once more. “Leaving Towards Spring” is very emotive, like that first warm day in the spring, when you first step outside and see things growing. It’s a heartwarming feeling. “Amnesty” makes use of acoustical guitars, keys, and atmosphere, and like the title suggests, it’s an act of forgiveness for past offenses. The forgiveness is there, but it just doesn’t make me feel too well. It’s the dichotomy that the band talked about. “Horizon” closes the album, again, that delicate balance heaviness and melody is ever-present. Overall, they remind me of the raw power of SWALLOW THE SUN. There is indeed a juxtaposition with hope and despair on the album, and it runs strongly through every song, creating an endless cycle that the listener can never really resolve. That is the power of good music.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Tal " Track-listing:
1. Colossus
2. Rain
3. Äon
4. Relikt
5. Stonefall
6. Leaving Towards Spring
7. Amnesty
8. Storm of Light
9. Horizon
Glare of the Sun Lineup:
Tobias Schwab – Bass
Franz Ebert – Drums
Martin Baumann – Guitars
Gerald Huber – Guitars, Vocals
Christoph Stopper – Vocals
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