While I’m a big fan of bands that go all-in and seek to explore the extreme ends of what metal can become at its far-flung edges of its spectrum, there’s plenty of glory to be had in knowing when to pull back. There’s splendor and majesty to be had in showing restraint and, instead, offering the listener something more accessible and transformative than a creation that seeks little more than maximum destruction where possible. Doom is a sound that’s easily capable of both, but not often enough do we see the sound show restraint and show us its more meditative side. Having tapped into that for years, it’s with their newest album that Breath takes the concept to their greatest heights yet.

By all accounts, doom is capable of a great many things across its vast spectrum of possibilities, and it is no secret as to the potential doom has when it becomes psychedelic, meditative, mind-bending, or some combination of those and others. Only one rare occasions do we see a band tackle such a concept and perform it all with tact and intelligence as opposed to the raw overwhelming power that much of doom has become dominated by in recent years. Breath has made itself known as a name to watch in this corner of doom given their previous works, yet it’s with practically everything that they’ve brought to the table throughout their forthcoming effort of “Brahman” that they’ve taken that next step in their evolution. Slow, methodical, and downright hypnotic in its drawn-out riffage, Breath wasted no time nor missed a single opportunity. Focusing on a heavy psychic afront that sees your mind, body, and soul intermingle in harmony and captivating beauty, “Brahman” is as nuanced as it is effective in its otherworldly goals. Tapping into your mind’s eye and broadening the horizons of meditative doom through unique instrumentation and worldly influences that are beyond fitting, Breath sought to offer us a kaleidoscopic vision into another plane of reality with the notes of “Brahman” bringing all of that about in such a form that’s not less than transcendent.

I don’t have to tell you that doom comes in many forms. It’s a sound that tends to lie in darkness or even wreathed in smoke of at least one sort, but it’s also a sound that capable to shine with its own brilliant, warm light that heals much of what it touches. Breath channels a legacy of bands seeking to elevate doom through mystic rituals and an understanding of both the physical and mental planes that are out of reach for all too many people. Throughout the whole of “Brahman”, enlightenment comes ever so close! You need only to take Breath’s hand to experience its magnificence for yourself.

“Brahman” releases on October 24th via Argonauta Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Brahman” on Bandcamp here, or via YouTube below.

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