Despite the vast potential that’s to be found whenever the realms of doom and sludge intersect, it’s not nearly often enough that we’re granted a sight that actually manages to tap into much of what the combination is capable of rather than merely touching upon the themes, approaches, and intensities that the concoction could bring to the table when crafted by the right hands. This year has not been terribly bountiful when it comes to this particular sound in my experience outside of bands like Soothsayer, but there’s always time for that to change. With their first full-length offering, Fane delivers where others haven’t.
Given the sheer breadth of possibilities that this sound boasts at virtually any given moment, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are just so many different concepts and themes that this sound can tackle in a way that feels appropriate and effective as we bounce from one act to the next. However, it’s oftentimes the approach that takes its time and keeps things simple where we can find the most successful outings. As we can see throughout the whole of Fane’s “Armageddon Scars”, you do not need to make your performance overly complex in order to hit home immensely strong. Across five distinct and undeniably potent tracks, Fane quickly establishes itself as a name that demands to be watched from here on out. Given Fane has only an EP to their name before now, the sheer capability and power that’s on full display throughout “Armageddon Scars” ought to be more than enough to demonstrate to anybody that this is a band that already knows precisely what it’s doing. Armed with intelligent songwriting and a deep understanding of what it takes to make their craft successful and effective, Fane offers us a soulful endeavor of endurance and intention that both affirms the band’s identity and sets them apart from much of the competition that offer power but not enough substance. In no small form, it’s here that Fane shows us what it means to stride forth with real presence.
It’s hard to say where exactly Fane is headed with this being but the only full-length album the band has to boast for itself, but this is unmistakably a foundation that is as rigid as it is strong. “Armageddon Scars” leaves a real impact on the listener without shame nor mercy, making the record something that demands to be fully understood lest the subtle nuances of the performance’s intensity be unfortunately lost on those who do not delve deeply.
LISTEN to “Armageddon Scars” on Bandcamp here.
FOLLOW Fane on Instagram here.