Of all the things that can go into music, emotion has got to be one of the most important factors that one can bring to the table if you hope to have any sort of impact with whatever you craft. To lack it is to lack soul in something which you pour your very being into. It’s an integral part to any great body of work, yet not all creations are equal with the emotion that they evoke with some performances digging deeper than others to really make something that does far more than simply go for the throat. Pulling from its own personal strife as one of its members straddling with great illness, it’s throughout its newest offering that Gavran offers us a vision of doom metal that’s as evocative as it is intense.

Already, there’s not much that can hold a candle to when doom is given the proper breadth and space to grow into its own beast, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more than enough room for the band in question to offer the listener something exceptional. We’ve seen plenty of instances of such as the decades have gone on, and it’s still a mix that few can ever hope to pull off whether it’s a lack of vision, musicians biting off more than they can chew, or some other factor that resulted in a work that doesn’t capitalize on its full potential. Fortunately, through a great understanding of their craft and never once missing a beat, it’s throughout the whole of “The One Who Propels” that Gavran avoids such an unfortunate pitfall. Across five tracks that span a runtime of well over fifty minutes, “The One Who Propels” is as evocatively raw as it is magnificently focused. In each given minute throughout this record, Gavran is nothing if not maximum when it comes to their overwhelming presence. It’s evident in everything from the compelling vocals to the eclectic instrumentation that accomplishes both in elevating this work to become something more while simultaneously ensuring the small, intimate moments of the record are preserved to make “The One Who Propels” dynamic and undeniably impactful on both flesh and spirit.

Turning its vast energies inward to make for a powerful performance in downright every regard, Gavran nails it at practically every turn. Retched from deep within its soul and offering nothing short of a transformative and compelling experience that never once yields in the name of mercy or reprieve, “The One Who Propels” captivates and delivers time after time.

“The One Who Propels” releases on January 30th via Dunk! Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “The One Who Propels” on Bandcamp here.

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