“Serene” is a fairly accurate title for this monster album by Oslo’s “Delvoid.” While the band know exactly how to use serene moments, but don’t be fooled. The band use extended, quieter moments that still feel somewhat unsettling. It always feels like the calm before the storm. And the storm always comes, you just don’t know when. It’s that sort of tension that makes “Serene” an amazing, engaging listen!

While songs like “Cocoon,” “Diffused,” and the title track are all very long tracks, these are not the typical prog metal epics. Rather they take their time getting to where they want to go. This is not music for the impatient. However, these songs are incredibly rewarding for the listener who wants music to take it’s time and grow. The main influence I hear is the band Oceansize. I love Oceansize so it’s awesome to hear a band that understands the art rock/post metal approach that that band used.

There’s a slight tip of the cap to Tool on the shorter, more aggressive tracks like “Streambreather.” But even then, the song POUNDS harder than Tool could ever hope to. “Transient” showcases the bands truly serene side, an absolutely beautiful, melodic track. “Dissembler” actually distills the epic Delvoid sound down into 5 and a half minutes.  Production wise, the album sounds amazing and makes for an excellent headphone experience.

Vocally, Alexander Michael Delver has a great range which sounds like a mix of Mike Vennart (Oceansize) in the quieter moments and Vini Stamato (In the Presence of Wolves) when he yells. But even with these influences, the band have their own ideas and agenda. Since Tool can never be bothered to release music and Oceansize are defunct, there’s a huge space in the music world that needs filling.

Enter Delvoid to fill that void with this 76 plus minutes of intensity. Delvoid’s “Serene” is a masterwork of power, tension and melody. When you have great albums like this one, you forget whatever bands might not be making music any longer. We don’t need you guys, we have Delvoid. This is an essential album, not to be missed.

Rating: 10/10

Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. Cocoon
3. Steambreather
4. Transient
5. Diffused
6. Dissembler
7. Tribe
8. Carrier
9. Serene
10. Outro

Facebook: www.facebook.com/delvoid
Website: delvoid.com