Cosmic Putrefaction "Emerald Fires Atop the Farewell Mountains" Review (THESE FIRES BURN BRIGHT)

Summary

In this review of Cosmic Future Faction's album *Emerald Fires at Top the Farewell Mountains*, the hosts delve into the band's unique blend of dissonant, progressive death metal. They highlight the album's dense, chaotic sound, technical drumming, and multi-layered vocals. With comparisons to bands like *Morbid Angel*, *Demilich*, and *Blood Incantation*, the review praises standout tracks like 'Swirling Madness Superal Ordeal' and the title track for their dynamic shifts and melodic moments. The hosts appreciate the album's intensity and experimentation, ultimately giving it a solid 4-star rating.

Takeaways

• 😀 The album 'Atop the Farewell Mountains' by Emerald Fires was released on October 4th, 2024, and is their fourth full-length album, continuing their unique blend of death metal and progressive elements.
• 😀 Emerald Fires is a one-man project by Gabriel Gagliano, formed in 2018 in Italy. The band's music is known for its complex, technical sound and chaotic yet captivating structure.
• 😀 The music on this album is heavily influenced by death metal bands such as Morbid Angel, Blood Incantation, Demilich, and Gorguts, with a strong emphasis on dissonance, atonality, and technical prowess.
• 😀 The first track, 'Entering the Vortex Temporum Premortem Phosphines,' features dense tremolos, ambient melodies, and chaotic vocals that set the tone for the album's intense and layered sound.
• 😀 A standout feature of this album is its multi-dimensional vocal work, with growls, whispers, spoken word passages, and even clean vocals, providing a dynamic listening experience.
• 😀 The drumming, performed by Guglielmo 'Gio' Gagliano (formerly of Hideous Divinity), is described as incredibly intense and technical, with off-time rhythms and complex transitions that add to the album's chaotic atmosphere.
• 😀 The album has a dense production that creates a wall of sound, making it feel overwhelming at times, but this also contributes to its cosmic and otherworldly feeling.
• 😀 The title track is a departure from the more chaotic aspects of the album, offering a slower, melodic build with acoustic melodies, clean vocals, and a more atmospheric approach.
• 😀 The album is praised for its creativity and technical brilliance, with tracks like 'Swirling Madness, Superal Ordeal' showcasing dynamic shifts and moments of restraint amidst the chaos.
• 😀 While the first half of the album is marked by dense, chaotic riffs, the second half introduces more melody and contrast, with tracks like 'Hallways Engraved in Ether' and 'Exiting the Vortex Temporum' demonstrating more experimental and dynamic elements.
• 😀 Despite some issues with the mix being muddy at times, particularly in the first half of the record, the album is still highly recommended for fans of complex, dissonant, and technically demanding death metal.

Q & A

What is the name of the latest album reviewed in the video?

The latest album reviewed is *Emerald Fires at Top the Farewell Mountains* by Cosmic Future Faction.

When was the album released and on which label?

The album was released on October 4th on Profound Lore Records.

Who is the main member behind Cosmic Future Faction, and what is the band's formation story?

Cosmic Future Faction is a one-man project formed in 2018 by Gabriel Gaglia (although the reviewer apologizes for possibly mispronouncing the name). The band also involves session musicians.

How would you describe the band's musical style on this album?

The band plays a mix of chaotic, technical, and dissonant death metal, with elements of progressive and atonal melodies. The music is dense, heavy, and features intense riffing, blast beats, and complex rhythms.

What makes this album different from the band's previous work?

This album includes more melodic elements, such as clean vocals and acoustic melodies, which were not as prominent in their previous albums. It also showcases a more refined and technical approach, especially with the drumming and vocal dynamics.

How does the album's vocal work stand out compared to previous releases?

The vocals on this album are more varied, featuring not only intense growls but also clean vocals and whispered passages. The production enhances these dynamics, making the vocals sound as though they come from different directions, contributing to the atmospheric intensity.

What role does the drummer Julio play on this album?

Julio, a former member of *Hideous Divinity*, provides the album with impressive drum work. His drumming is noted for its complexity, with off-time rhythms, intricate fills, and transitions that push the album’s intensity and technicality to new levels.

Which bands are mentioned as influences for this album?

The album draws comparisons to bands such as Morbid Angel, Blood Incantation, Demilich, Gorguts, and later-era Gorguts. These influences are reflected in the album’s dissonant riffs, atmospheric moments, and technical death metal style.

Which track on the album is noted for having a slower build and melodic moments?

The title track, *Emerald Fires at Top the Farewell Mountains*, is noted for having a slower build and incorporating clean vocals, acoustic melodies, and a more progressive, melodic atmosphere compared to the chaotic intensity of the rest of the album.

What criticism is made regarding the production and mix of the album?

The second reviewer mentions that the album's production can feel a bit muddy at times, especially due to the warm bass tone and dense guitar sound. This can make it hard to pick out individual layers in the more intense sections, although it does improve in the second half.

Which song on the album is praised for its dynamic shifts and more breathable space?

The track *Swirling Madness Superal Ordeal* is highlighted for its dynamic shifts and ability to show restraint. Unlike other tracks, it pulls back at times, offering a breath of space before launching back into the chaotic intensity.

What is the overall rating given to the album by the two reviewers?

The first reviewer rates the album 4 stars, praising its creativity, dynamics, and technicality. The second reviewer gives it 3.5 stars, appreciating the technicality but finding the production occasionally too busy and dense.