Through Mists is an Extreme Conceptual Metal one-person project from Canada. His latest EP album, Branches, will be released on July 12th, 2024.
Introduction:
Through Mists, Branches: This review will evaluate every aspect of the album, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this album is worth adding to your collection.
The First Three Sins of Branches
Let’s start by discussing the first three sins of Through Mists and his album, Branches.
The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Features multiple layered guitar parts played harmoniously, complemented by a supportive bass line and synths. The Second Sin, The Vocals: Involves crushing growls, aggressive singing. The Third Sin—The Percussions: Which delves into the vast world of intense and primitive drumming, further stressed by using various beats, strikes, fills, and blast beats.
The Fourth Sin: Overall Discussion: Infused with a lyrical theme that resonates with people on a personal level.
As soon as the listener presses that play button, the opening piece, My Muse, greets the listener and is welcomed to a complex instrumental and harsh vocal intro.
As the listener continues their journey with the second piece, Catharsis, and the remaining three pieces, the album’s concept delves deep into the idea of family, personal growth, and changes to many lives for the better. The songs were inspired by the birth of James‘ son and facing the reality of becoming a father for the first time, inviting the listener to reflect on their own experiences.
Branches is a unique and aggressive blend of avant-garde and extreme conceptual metal. With only five songs over a thirty-minute runtime, this release showcases a devilmanship-focused approach to experimentation and intricate guitar work that is genuinely awe-inspiring.
As someone recently wrote an article and listened to their previous Prolific release, this new EP represents a more experimental and guitar-driven direction for Through Mists. Still, musically and production-wise, ‘Branches’ continues specific themes of the previous release, Prolific, while being its distinct piece.
The atmosphere and riffing blend into a dense offering that grabs you and doesn’t let go. An aggressively upbeat venture, these five songs create an album that drives home the concept of family.
The guitar devilmanship within Branches is a fruit of art, that musical exploration and complexity. Each song features multiple layered guitar parts played harmoniously, complemented by a supportive bass line, synths, vocals, and drums. What’s remarkable is how all these elements work together seamlessly, creating a cohesive and synchronised musical experience. The entire composition exudes a natural, fluid flow that unites the different aspects of the album – from the instrumental arrangements to the vocal delivery.
Branches may be a short release. Still, upon closer examination, each of the five tracks presents variations in length, sound, mood, tone, and vocal and instrumental composition. The closing piece, Neophyte, stands out with its impressive over eleven-minute runtime. James dedicated considerable effort as a solo musician, handling every album aspect, from production to composition and musical execution.
Branches is a release that makes you want more; this is where your repeat button becomes your best friend.
The album ends with the last song, Neophyte. This track’s intricate and dynamic composition stands out, offering the listener a unique and exploratory musical experience. Certain parts of the vocals have a reminiscent atmosphere of Cradle Of Filth. As you delve into the piece, you can discern a reflection of life’s transformations and the discovery of something new, akin to acquiring a new skill or embracing the journey of parenthood. Neophyte is the perfect ending to the album.
We want to thank Through Mists for letting us review his Branches album. Now, we’ll discuss the final three sins and conclude the review.
You’re Listening to “My Muse”
PlayThe Last Three Sins
Let’s discuss the last three sins, our thoughts on Through Mists and his Branches album.
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia: James has astounded us with his latest creation. The new album is a fresh, unique, and avant-garde fruit of art, showcasing his progressive and out-of-the-box approach. Just like in his previous work, James has fearlessly taken risks, and the result is truly extraordinary. Not only has he delivered a one-of-a-kind album, but he has also infused it with a lyrical theme that resonates with people on a personal level.
The Sixth Sin, The Artwork:
The artwork fits the album’s lyrical concept. Consider the idea, album title, and lyrical content.
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish:
There is nothing to disrelish within the musical spectrum of Through Mists and his album Branches.
This concludes the Through Mists, Branches review.
Track-Listing:
- My Muse
- Catharsis
- Branches
- Wormwood
- Neophyte
