Audionom - Retrospektiv

I apologize for the cheap comparison, but the best way I can think of to describe this band is really like this: imagine that, after Ian Curtis death and instead of going pop and forming New Order, Joy Division had turned even darker and moodier and developed an interest in instrumental metal. Retrospektiv is that: lots of guitars, reverb, a few almost imperceptible voices, more layered guitars, drums, synthesizers, keyboards and even more guitars. I don't know much about Audionom except that they are a Swedish art collective, their label - Kemado - is usually associated with a movement called "hipster metal" and that this is their first album, but the mistery suits them and their unique sound. Definitely not an easy record, being so cold and distant to the point of almost impenetrable, but it's also so hypnotic that we can't help but keep playing it and being absorbed in an almost masochistic way. (8/10)

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