THROUGH MISTS - Prolific (EP Premiere)

Written by: The Administrator

A quick stroll through the archives will indicate that we slumbering and ink-splattered scribes are no strangers to hosting a good ol' Through Mists premiere. Back in 2022 we dropped a couple if 'em back-to-back, writing about the both the overtly referential "Awaken The Sleeping Village" and the epic bird-centric concept album "Mindless Automations." Since then, Through Mists has proven prolific to an intimidating degree, releasing a frankly astounding six(!) albums in 2023. Of these, I was a particular fan of Starkiller, which embraced an aggressive yet proggy sonic palette and a distinctly mythical lyrical direction. Perhaps the best album from the project to date, in my opinion.

Time moves on, and the Through Mists machine churns ever onward, albeit with a slightly longer timeframe separating the old and new material. And so here we are, with a new Through Mists release on the cusp of official droppage. The appropriately entitled Prolific--a four track EP--will be available tomorrow, April 25th. In the hours preceding, we are honored to host a premiere of the EP in full here in our less-than hallowed halls. Give it a listen below! As always, we'll meet ye on the other side to discuss.

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A general statement: I really enjoy how weird Through Mists is, referring both to this EP and the extensive back catalog at large. Although I have come to expect a certain blackened death lurch with progressive composition, the four tracks herein represent a chaotic approach to genre blending that I find quite appealing. There's an emphasis on unhinged cleans here, whispering or sneering and even oddly electronic at times, like unto a digital voice from beyond a cosmic tear. When it comes to harsher implementation, the vocal inflections are numerous and chaotic, with the pinched and bird-like screech employed to exceptional and lengthy effect on the titular closer being my favorite. Check out "In Shattered Mirrors" to witness said vocal extremity on full display. Meanwhile, the guitar never sleeps--leads squeal and squabble, leaving a seemingly central riff to meander, pulling the tracks in unexpected and dynamic directions. Take the third track, "Golden Goddess," as a prime example of a demonstrated willingness to throw caution to the wind and just let the track go where it goes. As a result, focused and repeat listening is rewarded.

The aforementioned title track is by far the longest, clocking in at an impressive 14 minutes. It's a true statement piece, and executes the Through Mists formula exceptionally well, leading the listener through an unpredictable series of aesthetic arenas. A riff department that delivers churning groove? Check? Menacing whispers over gothic tinged and somewhat morose passages? Check. A tumbling and buffeting chaotic aggression, accentuated by rolling drums and whirlwind riffs? Check. A borderline breakdown on the tail end? Check. It's all here. It's a killer track, and I'm excited to see Through Mists working with the long form.

Overall, Prolific represents another strong entry into an extensive body of work. The corpus grows, and while it will undoubtedly be a very short time until another project emerges from the Through Mists camp, these four tracks hold their own in the here and now. And before we tie this one up with a bow, here's a statement from the artist: "Through Mists is very happy to share Prolific with the world! This has been a change of pace for the writing and production of this EP, and we feel it lays the groundwork for future music! Prolific is a culmination of experiences, both good and bad, turned into something to unleash on the world!

Through Mists - Prolific will be released April 25th, 2024. Find it on bandcamp here. The physical release on cassette can be found here. 

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Through Mists can be found:
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