The Decibel Addict: BA'AL THO...

Ba'al

In Gallows By Mass

Ba'al have been a name whispered on the UK metal scene for a while now. This post metal quintet from Sheffield have quietly been making a name for themselves over the past year or so through their sporadic yet heartfelt and enigmatic live shows. So far their sludge infused take on post metal has managed to win over audiences, leaving many people wanting to finally see a studio release. Well, the wait is over as Ba'al become the next member of the ever growing APF family with their debut EP In Gallows By Mass. This 3 track EP clocks in at just over 30 minutes and in that time Ba'al manage to deliver much have what they have become known for during their time on the live circuit. Each track is a journey in it's own right, building upon motifs and taking the listener through passages of spacious post rock up to the more crushing ends of sludge metal. Songs twist and turn from being ethereal and introspective before the guitars and drums swoop in to deliver much chunkier metal and breakdowns. Steffan's vocals throughout the EP mirror this format, with his ability to switch between echoey yet soaring clean vocals to throaty screeches, whilst the lyrics seem to mirror the introspective nature of the music. The EPs highlight, closing track Days Of Yore, takes all of these elements to create a triumphantly building track that journeys through everything that Ba'al has to offer. In Gallows By Mass isn't an EP without issues though. Unfortunately some areas do feel like they need tightening up slightly, especially the timing from the drums on the odd occasion. The production does also leave something to be desired and I can't help thinking some of the heavier passages would feel heavier if the EP was produced slightly different. Having said that In Gallows By Mass is still a decent post metal EP and a decent debut effort as well.