NEGATIVE BLISS - Sun Stain (Mini-Review)

In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish short reviews at a greater frequency, thereby shining our very small spotlight on more cool shit. Here's a mini-review of a debut single from a band worth watching!

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Written by: The Administrator

A few months back, in another mini-review inevitably lost to the sands of time, I discussed the unique honor of witnessing a band release their very first song. One lone track can say a lot about a band's intentions and potential, and in today's case, I'm primed and ready to see what comes next in the world of hardcore doomsters Negative Bliss. Their first song "Sun Stain" has been on heavy rotation this past week here at ye olde Sleeping Village, and if a singular track is keeping my attention over multiple days, it is, in my book, certainly worth writing about.

Negative Bliss lean into overtly dynamic composition, demonstrating sludgy heft and a borderline bestial vocal truculence alongside more mellow breathable moments. Therein lies an intrinsic and interesting contrast. "Sun Stain"  begins with some notably thick riffage with a very nice dual vocals--hoarsely bellowed, and then shouted through a sneer--following close behind. The sheer heaviness dies down for a short hiatus before the song inevitably crashes back into its own weight. Here, the vocal delivery is harsh and emotively raw, and while I do wish the bellows in particular were sunk a bit further into the instrumentation to exemplify their weight, the vocals are surprisingly contemplative and somber for all of their initial aggression. The tail end of the track stretches into more post-metal territory, delivering some excellent soloing over a thundering wall of noise. It's a strong climax to a very solid song.

It is perhaps a tad preemptive to say that I'm a fan of a band when they only have a single track to their name, but I will say this. I really like said track, and I'm really excited to witness the evolution of Negative Bliss. Promo material indicates that an eclectic batch of songs is in store for the remainder of the year. I'll certainly be keeping an eye out. 

Negative Bliss - Sun Stain was released Feb. 29th, 2024. Find it here, or give it a listen below!

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Negative Bliss can be found:
Website
Bandcamp
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