AMIA VENERA LANDSCAPE are an Italian Post-Hardcore group operating in a similar vein to 65 Days of Static, yet also adding vocals to the largely instrumental songs on offer. Interestingly though, the majority of the vocal work features practically inaudible lyrics, particularly in the gruff, screamed singing style most prevalent here. Instead the vocals become another instrument themselves, adding multiple layers to the tone and drive of the sonic soundscapes the band creates.
The instrumentation lunges from lightning fast and frantic hardcore/ metal to atmospheric, melodic and even chilling instrumentals. On ‘Ascending’ the band seem to be scoring a creepy horror movie, veering between the moody unease of Angelo Badalamenti’s best work to piano that wouldn’t sound amiss on a schlocky video-nasty from the 1980s.
Around half the songs hit the seven or eight minute mark, with ‘Marasm’ clocking in at well over 14 minutes, which allows the songs to breathe and expand naturally, lush two minute introductions to tracks being common-place. ‘A New Aurora‘ kicks straight in with fast drums and screamed vocals before backing down into delayed guitar and clean vocals, exploding back into screaming and blistering guitars for a thunderous chorus, then back again.
Disconcerting horror movie soundscapes sit side-by-side with crushingly heavy metal/post hardcore blasts that give way to slow paced, sweepingly melodic sections. Amia Venera Landscape are hot on 65 Days of Static‘s heels with beautifully crafted songs that take their time to unfold and impress. A confident debut album from a band that fully deserves to be so.
ROGER HOLLAND