Photo by Samantha Wallschlaeger
Los Angeles-based progressive doom band QAALM is excited to announce the premiere of their new video for the track “Borderlands.” Available now at Everything Is Noise, this twelve-minute epic serves as the opening song for their highly anticipated second full-length album, “Grave Impressions Of An Unbroken Arc”, which released on November 1st through Hypaethral Records.
The album showcases the full spectrum of QAALM’s artistic vision, blending soul-crushing riffs with rich, evocative atmospheres and deeply personal lyrics. Their unique style merges immersive doom elements with influences from melodic black metal, post-metal, and progressive rock. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists including Dark Tranquillity, Dissection, Sisters Of Mercy, King Crimson, and early Peaceville doom, each song creates a powerful tapestry of introspection and intensity. The album’s sound is enhanced by the engineering expertise of Paul Fig and the mixing and mastering skills of Zeuss, who have worked with well-known bands like Slipknot, Hatebreed, and Municipal Waste.
Vocalist Henry Derek Elis shares insights about “Borderlands,” stating, “This song is largely inspired by the spirits that inhabit ancient civilizations and indigenous land. It’s no secret that there’s a troubling history that plagues generations today. Natives that have been dispossessed, robbed of their resources, forced to live elsewhere. The darkness resurfaces, manifesting itself into disastrous things. Tainting the soil, haunting many of the lost souls that are living in turmoil today. Self-deprecation, scarification and the rejection of western religion is also a theme here. Prayers for the suffering and plentiful crops are more so a ritual and of cultural significance. Giving back to the earth as nature intended.”
In their review, Everything Is Noise describes “Borderlands” as “a sprawling twelve-minute doom track that paints with a variety of hues to create one of the most forward-thinking and layered doom tracks that you’re likely to hear this year. Over the course of this mammoth composition, one of the most impressive feats is just how often things move and shift into new positions to change the moods. The rhythm section plays with tempo shifts, while the vocal layering adds depth and textures ranging from death metal to grunge harmonies, and there are plenty of other surprises along the way as well. It’s downright staggering…”
“Grave Impressions Of An Unbroken Arc” features cover art by Vladislav Cadaversky released in several formats: a six-panel digipak CD, a limited LP (100 Radiant Sun + 100 Black), and digital formats. This album is a must-listen for fans of Mizmor, Pallbearer, YOB, Edge Of Sanity, Agalloch, Mastodon, and Baroness.
Track Listing for “Grave Impressions Of An Unbroken Arc”:
1. Borderlands
2. Shadows Behind The Sun
3. King Of Contradiction
4. Hangman’s Lament
QAALM Band Members:
– Henry Derek Elis – vocals, lead/rhythm guitars
– Minsu Dylan Kim – lead/rhythm guitars
– Dave Ferrara – drums
– *Session bass by Chris Cozzi*
QAALM:
Hypaethral Records:
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