Genre : Instrumental thall, Djent
Released : January 1st, 2024
Label : Self-release
FFO : Vildhjarta, Sentinels, Olympus Lenticular
Icelandic riff-machines Aaru really decided to kick off 2024 with the wildest album cover out there, damn.
You might remember me giving their previous EP "The Human Condition" a mention back at the end of 2021 when their line-up still included a vocalist, or already be familiar with their YouTube series "Thall Thursdays" where weekly riffs are guaranteed with Icelandic natural beauty as a backdrop (including the eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano, how cool is that?) or simply the guys just goofing around, showing their sense of humour in between string bends and dissonant tapping fretboard sprints.
Because yes, clearly, as you can tell by the album art and song titles such as "Scandinavian Saskatchewan", "Polar Bears Are Not Beer" or even the thought-provoking "Tiddies", Aaru are an extremely brutal band that take themselves very seriously on this release.
Now, although they have actually been serious and touched upon heavy subjects lyrically with past releases, with "SWNPL", Aaru took the more relaxed and fun-loving approach of their "Thall Thursdays" series and put it into album format.
In fact, most of these tracks were originally written for that purpose, and while Aaru are currently on the lookout for their next vocalist, these tracks can be enjoyed for their chuggy, air-tight, sweet riffs but can also be used as proving grounds for any aspiring vocalists willing to try their hand at matching the almost mechanical frenzy Aaru have created with these tracks.
Had it been over thirty minutes long I feel like this project might have suffered too much from the lack of dynamics vocals bring to this genre, and at times it can feel a little bit too close to being too one-dimensional and too "clean cut" production-wise, but when Aaru throw a fun riff idea it always lands successfully and gives those tracks some standout moments to remember and return to.
I'm curious to see what Aaru will do once they find a new voice to be at the forefront of their Icelandic thallings, but for the time being, "SWNPL" has been a fun slice of instrumental rock n'roll to indulge in and provides a nice break from more demanding, emotionally heavy, high-concept recent heavy music releases!
Th(at is)all.
Stream/buy "SWNPL" here : https://aaruband.bandcamp.com/album/swnpl