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Iridescence

Serpentheir

This was an outstanding album. Dark, evil, and weighted enough for any Metal enthusiast, it also swirls with Progressive and even orchestral elements. The result is an album that feels totally alive, and it bites hard with deep fangs. It also breathes when it needs to.
April 8, 2026

Hailing from Poland, the only description I could find about the band or album was a short blurb on Bandcamp that reads, "Experimental Metal of the Extreme kind." "Celebrations" is the first song, and features dark qualities. A heavy, thumping bass line combines with piano notes and vocals that are sheer terror. It shifts a few times, showcasing the band's sophisticated sense of Progressive elements as well. "Apparent" is more fiery, and it moves at breakneck speed. There are some light orchestral elements in support of harrowing vocals that could turn your hair white. "Halo Affected" begins with bombast, and then settles into a peculiar groove, and you get a real sense of progression here. The chords are odd at times, but they fit right into the puzzle. I say puzzle because at this point in the album, the sound is a bit of a mystery. The band does a good job at keeping you guessing within the harsh but melodic confines of the music.

"The Lamplights" has a more linear sound of weighted, chugging guitars and deadly vocals. It sound like a killing spree to me. Backing orchestral elements fill out the sound until it is bursting with flavor, but it never overflows. "Ephemerality" is a two-minute blast of sound that's akin to a raging fire that you can feel from miles away. The vocals are angry, the riffs are pointed and angled, and symphonic element swell like a giant wave. "Catching Star" is the rattlesnake on the album. Catchy, but still devastating, it invites you in before slitting your throat, and it's a ball of unfettered energy. "Yestershade" is much gentler, and it gives you a chance to catch your breath. The piano notes and brief riffs are warm, and they make you feel alive. It's the deep breath before the plunge. Segueing into the final song, "Lighthome," you get a sense of grandiosity.

Steady at first, you can feel the tension building, but it teeters on the edge and never pushes you over. The clean vocals are a bit of a surprise and they are there to warm you like a comforting blanket. It feels like the culmination of a journey to me. This was an outstanding album. Dark, evil, and weighted enough for any Metal enthusiast, it also swirls with Progressive and even orchestral elements. The result is an album that feels totally alive, and it bites hard with deep fangs. It also breathes when it needs to.

 

9 / 10

Almost Perfect

Songwriting

9

Musicianship

9

Memorability

9

Production

9
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"Iridescence" Track-listing:

1. Célébrations

2. Apparent

3. Halo Affected

4. The Lamplights

5. Ephemerality

6. Catching Star

7. Yestershade

8. Lighthome

 

Serpentheir Lineup:

Dr Caligula – Vocals, Guitars

Paweł Tarasiewicz – Bass

Jan "Nightkeyman" Sadłek – Keyboards

Roman 'Grim' Mechanotron – Drums

Konrad Pawłowski – Guitars, Saxophone

 

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