Magna Mater
Mother of Millions
From their webpage, “We are really thrilled to announce that our next album, "Magna Mater" is set to be released worldwide on October 4, 2024 via ViciSolum Productions. The album features nine new tracks that promise to take listeners on a journey of musical, lyrical and emotional exploration. It is without a doubt our heaviest and most intense album so far, both conceptually and musically. It's a record in which all emotions become unexplored lands, become rituals before we accept them as our own. It’s an album about loss, but it is ultimately about life. It’s a big part of who we are, and we hope you’ll enjoy the ride.”
“Inside” is the first song. It has a heavy, accented backbone, but glorious vocal harmonies that seem to stretch out for days. Keyboards swirl into the mix the song gets very emotional and the chorus has a big hook. It’s a glorious opening song, indeed. “Feral” has more of a bite from the riff, as the title suggests, but the vocals remain flowery and delicate. The sound increases as it moves along, perhaps with an angrier tone, and then like flipping a switch, all goes black. The title track has another abrasive edge that is tempered with dazzling vocal harmonies. The two extremes seem to meet somewhere in the middle, both without giving an inch to the other, and the resulting tension is vigorous.
“Liminal” is that bright light in a drab and dark room. The piano and vocals are delicate, and the backing riff is heavy and accented. What shines most for me in this song is the quality of the singing…it’s so emotional, and it peaks at just the right times. “The Line” has a weighted entrance that is shattered by piano notes. The song sounds like it’s trying to walk a tightrope with imminent death below. But like any good funambulist, he always keeps his bearings. “Halo” is as heavenly as the title sounds. The structure of the song is thick and burdensome but the vocals rise up like a phoenix, and their harmonies are as sweet as honey.
“Irae” is a Latin phrase that translates to "day of wrath" or "Judgment Day,” and that cometh right soon. The naked drum beat and contentious riff represent he who will pass judgement, while the vocals shoot into the heavens with a plea for mercy. “Space” is a smooth and easy piano led closer. More Progressive Metal fans should be aware of this band, and this album especially, because as good as their previous albums were, this one tops them all. The album features illustrious melodies and a stand out vocal performance that is backed with a bottom end that is substantially intense, and what results is a balance that just hasn’t been reached this year.
10 / 10
Masterpiece
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Magna Mater" Track-listing:
1. Inside
2. Feral
3. Magna Mater
4. Celestial
5. Liminal
6. The Line
7. Halo
8. Irae
9. Space
Mother of Millions Lineup:
George Prokopiou – Vocals
Kostas Konstantinidis – Guitars
Panos Priftis – Bass
George Boukaouris – Drums, Percussion
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