MAUDLIN OF THE WELL
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
With two simultaneously released CDs, Maudlin of the Well are attempting
what few bands have the guts to do - expose their creative output for the world to hear in one fell swoop. As a consequence,
digesting "Bath" and its companion "Leaving Your Body Map" is a daunting task, but one
well worth the effort for those who are adventurous and daring.
Maudlin of the Well still take an Opeth-like approach to see-saw balancing of quieter, melodic
sections and over-the-top brutality, however "Bath" focuses more on the band's brutal side and
nearly dissonant shards of sonic combustion. Maudlin of the Well adds crushing doom passages to
the already wild palette of vibrant colors and broad brush strokes of their material. "Bath" is a
somewhat confrontational disc that shoves its way into the auditory void - "Bath" demands to be
heard yet sometimes forcing you to look away from its starkness and raw nerves.
The expansive scope of the lyrical subject matter is injected by the works of various literary greats -
not that Maudlin of the Well need any help in that realm - and creates a world unlike any other. The
lyrics are liberally sprinkled with the works of such luminaries as Aleister Crowley, William
Wordsworth, Khalil Gibran, Percy Bysse Shelley, and William Peter Blatty.
It's not too difficult to compare listening to Maudlin of the Well and "Bath" as taking a long trip
through a large museum with a variety of paintings, sculptures, and other art forms - the potential for
sensory overload is nearly guaranteed, but it is a rejuvenating kind of overload
that is inspiring.
"Bath" is a wild, jarring (and often disturbing) experience which nearly begs the listener to explore
what the companion CD "Leaving Your Body Map" has to offer.
Fans of the avant garde metal styles would be remiss if they ignore "Bath" and its vibrant glory.
"Bath" was produced by Maudlin of the Well and engineered by Jim
Fogarty.
Maudlin of the Well is Jason Bitner, Byron, Toby Driver, Maria-Stella
Fountolakis, Sam Gutterman, Greg Massi, Terran Olson, and Josh Seipp-Williams.
For more information visit http://www.maudlinofthewell.com.
"Leaving
Your Body Map"
(Dark Symphonies)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
As the companion piece to the quite harsh "Bath," the effervescent
"Leaving Your Body Map" takes a more atmospheric approach to the near un-definable sound of
Maudlin of the Well. It becomes
quite obvious that the yin and yang approach to these companion CDs is intended to
complete a cycle of emotions that is both draining and renewing.
"Leaving Your Body Map" takes more of a subtle approach that draws you in most of the time in a
gentle manner, but other times in a forceful way. Clearly, "Bath" is a more European-sounding CD
along the lines of Tiamat and that band's gothic heaviness or the many components that make
late '90s era The Gathering such a compelling listen. "Leaving Your Body Map" is required listening
(especially after hearing "Bath") as it has almost a restorative effect to your emotional balance.
Although there are plenty of contrasts within each CD taken individually, the overall contrast of
"Leaving Your Body Map" to "Bath" is remarkable in its own right. Although Maudlin
of the Well may
lack some cohesion over the course of "Bath" and "Leaving Your Body Map," the band more than
makes up for it in sheer guts and expansive vision. I often think of the word 'struggle' when I am
listening to Maudlin of the Well, but it's a good kind of 'struggle.' Maudlin of the Well may be
struggling to find its collective voice, but I hope it never does because this band's journey and
struggle is likely to be far more interesting than its eventual destination.
"Leaving Your Body Map" was produced by Maudlin of the Well and engineered by Jim Fogarty.
Maudlin of the Well is Jason Bitner, Byron, Toby Driver, Maria-Stella
Fountolakis, Sam Gutterman, Greg Massi, Terran Olson, and Josh Seipp-Williams.
For more information visit http://www.maudlinofthewell.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
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