Dolorian - Voidwards (2006)

 Voidwards is Dolorian's third release and latest for the time being. This band captured my attention from the very first time I listened to their debut "When All the Laughter Has Gone", which I consider a nearly perfect album, and has kept on surprising me since then. If we compared those two albums the verdict would be a win for the latest. Although this comparison would not be the wisest thing to do, because of the different approach on each, I think that Voidwards surpasses everything this band has done in their carreer.
 In Voidwards everything is completely different possibly than anything you  've heard in your miserable life. It is an amorphous amalgamation of dark thoughts, spiritualism and keyboard enhanced slow doom - blues leading you to inner peace and that's exactly where its aural grandeur lies. Songs do not follow the typical structures that the majority of metal bands does. They are some kind of downward spirals willing to consume every single drop of optimism is left inside you. Once you start your listen and you begin to like it there's no way back. The music will haunt you 'til the end of your days once you fall in love with it.
 What I admire the most about this release is the point of musical inteligence the band achieved to reach. Genius. Do not try to understand what you're hearing or lay the tracks in sections or riffs for your own mind's sake.. otherwise it is likely to be blown. Especially tracks like "In the Locus of Bone", "Ivory Artery" and "Raja Naga - Rising" will have that type of effect on your mind. Although as individual "riffs" - or rather patterns - might be simple and not technical, wholly as compositions they're extremely complex and the changes are very often. There's a high diversity among the style of the songs as there are interludes ( "Co-illusion", "The Absolute Halo is Awakening" and "The Fire Which Burns Not" ), gentle and peacefull lengthy instrumental pieces like "The Flow of Seething Emotions" and more aggressive ones like "Epoch of Cyclosure" and the epic "Raja Naga - Rising" closer.
 The vocals on this album are mostly whispers. That might be considered a drawback for someone who liked mostly the raspy black metal vocal approach on the debut, but I think that whispering is better for that type of musical approach, adding an overall more meditative and darker nature. The production is also dark and absolutely clean so you're able to hear every single note or beat played clearly.
 To sum up, I consider Voidwards being one of the greatest albums of all time or at least of what I've heard since now. I suggest to lay down, loosen your mind, concentrate solely on the music and let Dolorian do the rest. I guarantee the outcome will leave you astonished as it keeps on leaving me after every listen. Bear in mind it's dangerous but it totally worths giving it a try. So, enjoy responsibly.  " The seeker must seek.."

Standout Tracks: LISTEN TO IT AS A WHOLE.

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