2017 was the year my world of music was changed
dramatically. By chance I was introduced to Forming The Void from Lafayette, LA
and nothing has been the same since. Their second full-length, 'Relic', which
altered my world, is a one-of-a-kind mind-shattering experience, so when the
third wax, 'Rift', was about to be unleashed I was shaking with anticipation and
pure excitement. Of course, the old fear "can they emulate or surpass
previous recordings" raised its ugly head, but holy hell! That fear was
unfounded, so shame on me for letting this fear overcome me. Forming The Void
are better than ever on opus 3. I've said it before but I'll gladly repeat
myself: as a music fan there is no greater thrill when one of your favourite
bands shatter their already excellent past with the new platter.
And that's exactly what's going on here. Forming The Void
has stepped well out of their box and above what they've done before. Don't
think there's a dictionary of superlatives big enough to really show how great
'Rift' is and how truly above the rest of the pack this band is. It might be
that they put something different, something really special, in the boudin
balls in Lafayette.
Regardless, the band's new wax is...well simply fantastic!
Opener ’Extinction Event’ moves with brutal elegance between
punishing heaviness and a dreamy, almost hymnal disposition. It is beautiful and
fearful at the same time as our protagonists depart our dying world for a new
home. Yet there’s a sense freedom floating on top which immediately shows how
Forming The Void have moved onward and upward. ‘On We Sail’ tells of the travelers’
hopes and fears of this journey with no set destination. Throw off your
shackles though, get on board as we take off into the unknown and let any fear
dissipate. Based on a heavy foundation with a nautical feel backed with Middle
Eastern tones, the guitars especially, this is an amazing composition. Starting
off like the mighty Zaum, ‘Arcane Mystic’ is definitely mystic in its approach,
invoking images of ancient Egypt.
Picking up somewhat in pace it puts me in a wonderful trance from which I don’t
want to leave because the beauty within is mind-blowing. Slowing down while
remaining in that wonderful state of trance, ‘Transient’ moves in a strange
world, an in-between world, on the way to a higher being. Dark, sinister, yet
full of hope and beauty – just like life itself – Forming The Void is the
guiding light.
‘Arrival’ exudes elation as the protagonists finally arrive
where they can rekindle their lives and create a new, better world. Still,
behind all the excitement a lurking fear of the unknown moves freely hindering
the settlers from fully enjoying this new world. Heavy, mid-tempo and slower parts,
as well as neck breaking segments bring forth all the emotions the travelers
go through. ‘Ark Debris’ is pondering, maybe even content, in where the
protagonists have ended up. Their vessel is gone, there’s no way out for them,
so they have to make do with their situation. It’s only as good as it gets and
the music reflects this perfectly. Dreamy and spacey, almost pastoral, yet
unforgiving and dejected. In closer ‘Shrine’ our brave settlers have come to
terms with their environment and situation. What they had in the past they are
trying to recreate and bring in a new world order. Hopefully, it won’t turn
into destruction as it did before. The music moves between the two polar
opposites – good and evil – as the people work hard at staying on course.
When Forming The Void released ‘Relic’ I said countless
times “what if…” in relation to if I never got to hear this amazing band.
That’s not a question anymore as these Louisianans are probably one of the best
bands out there. New album ‘Rift’ cements this sentiment in so many ways. As
stated above, not only have they stepped above and beyond their previous
releases but they do so with such ease. The musicianship is beyond anything
else; from the other-worldly guitars courtesy of Shadi Omar Al Khansa and
singer James Marshall to the relentless rhythm section of bassist Luke Baker
and drummer Thomas Colley. They make everything sound so effortless,
unrestrained and fun…all while sounding extremely hard, relentless and
spaced-out other-dimensional. ‘Rift’ is a beast that very few – if any – can
surpass and I’m stating the obvious by saying this is the best album of 2018. I
might stick my chin out a little bit by claiming the band has finally created
their own genre, Forming The Void-ism, but hell it’s the truth, waveriders!
-Swedebeast
