All too often, post-metal is used as a descriptor for artists whose music could be summed up as half-hearted Neurosis worship. That isn’t the case with Apneica, who play around within the framework of sludge metal by bringing in outside influence from death metal, funeral doom and a few unorthodox instruments on their new EP Tra Rocce e Cortecce.
EP opener “Terra” begins with a bright buzz before ushering in plodding funeral doom; member Andrea Pisu plays Sardinian cane flute, which adds a mournful tone. On “Occhi Celati,” second vocalist Piera Demurtas offers clean vocals that stand in stark contrast to the deep, reverb-heavy growls that make up Apneica’s bread and butter.
The death/doom influence on “Dove Cresceva La Foresta” ratchets the pace up a few notches, giving the EP a strong push as it meanders through its second half. The EP closes with “Astratta Solitudine” and then the band are out. Though the four songs are lengthy, the EP doesn’t drag. Brevity (relative to the post-metal/funeral doom style the band plays) is Apneica’s greatest strength.
Hear it below;
