Long songs are a hallmark of doom metal, but that doesn’t mean releasing a single-song, 20-minute-long EP is an easy task, or even a good idea. It’s been executed extremely well by bands like Gorguts, Bell Witch and Agalloch, but it’s still a gutsy move, and a powerful statement if done well.
Fortunately, Wren execute such a move with grace on Thrall, their new EP out this week on Holy Roar. Just shy of 20 minutes (19:56 is the final count on Soundcloud), Thrall sees Wren embrace heavy, crushing post-metal that thrives in its ability to shift from loud and heavy to quiet and pensive while still retaining a strong sense of atmosphere. Buried vocals call out through thick walls of guitars and echoing percussion before quieting and readying themselves to swell in volume again.
Thrall is out this Friday on Holy Roar. Listen to it below and pre-order here.
