Listening Notes: This is Post-Metal

Post-metal isn't as famous as post-black metal or post-hardcore. I’m not sure exactly why. Is it not emotional enough? Not fast enough? Is it because no "giant" bands have managed to reach millions of ears, even with names like Neurosis and Isis out there? Or is it because the combination of doom/sludge metal and post-rock just feels tedious? It’s hard to say.

It feels like post-metal is reserved only for a "chosen" few. Unfortunately, my fate lies there too, making me feel like an outsider amidst the tastes of other music fans.

Here are six releases, as usual.

100 Years of Solitude - A Blackened Earth (2013)

75%

100 Years of Solitude delivers an 18-minute single that stays true to its title: blackened. A three-minute guitar intro moves slowly before exploding into high speed from the 05:30 to 08:30 mark. It then pauses briefly before shifting into a more common post-metal style. However, the moment I truly connected with this EP was between 13:30 and 16:45.

I’m hoping for another release, even though 13 years have passed.

Highlight: A Blackened Earth

Edelweiss - Noce Hivernale (2023)

75%

The impression this leaves is a far cry from three years ago. Although the title literally translates to "Winter Wedding," there is no freezing cold to be found here. "Comédia" showcases an abrasion that culminates in a black metal thumping at 03:02-03:18. The energy dips slightly before rising again in "Pensée Foudroyante," interspersed with an ambient/soundtrack interlude, "Plénitide," which was the first track to really make me feel something. "Resolution de l'Âme" successfully closes the EP with an atmospheric offering.

Actually, I expected vocals, but there were none; also Edelweiss was a surprise that reminded me of a heavier version of Kafabindünya. I’m still considering whether to move some of these into my favorites playlist.

Highlight: Mostly all tracks

Kalashnikov - (Redux), Vol. 1 (2026)

50%

I only hope that Kalashnikov can get more serious about executing their ideas because the music and vocals just don't blend well. It would be more fitting if they leaned into stoner/doom metal since it’s quite slow and monotonous—except for the intros to "Todo en lo que crees está muerto" and "Abraxas." As for the vocals—which sound like they want to scream but feel a bit lazy—they might be better suited for hip-hop or alternative metal/hard rock.

Hoping for progress in the future. That is all.

Highlight: -

Lily of the Valley - Adorn the Earth (2026)

75%

Not to discriminate based on gender or nationality, but Yasmin’s vocals in Lily of the Valley are clearly more emotional than Mexico's Kalashnikov above. When she goes clean, it sounds natural, and when she screams, there is clear intent. This is what the post-metal format should be: inseparable from atmospheric effects. Her delivery reminds me more of The Fifth Alliance and Allochiria than Amerta.

Highlights: Hell is a Relief, Adorn the Earth, Nadir, Sickroom

Pelican - Ataraxia/Taraxis (2012)

75%

The name Pelican needs no introduction in the instrumental post-metal/rock arena. Simply put, this band is a "must-try." This time, I was lucky enough to snag a few free EPs from them.

"Ataraxia" opens with an acoustic section that is quite emotional, despite the desert imagery on the cover. "Lathe Biosas" and "Parasite Colony" aren't quite heavy enough to represent that setting. As of writing this, the journey feels like it flew by, and I almost appreciate it in its entirety. However, "Taraxis" finally closes the EP by perfecting that barren nuance, though it remains a minor track to my ears.

Highlights: Except Taraxis

Sól - Black Mountain (2014)

75%

This atmospheric sludge/doom unit from Portland closes the session with a burst of abrasive crescendo that deserves appreciation after I first tried it years ago. One example of their artistry is the skull interpretation on the cover art, which, if looked at closely, reveals a black-and-white mountain panorama.

Even without knowing the themes or lyrics, the music is enough to make you headbang. However, it might get boring if your patience is paper-thin, as the journey to the sludge summit can take up half the track, except on "Hydra." Anyway, I’m still torn on whether to keep this Sól's album or not. It needs a few more trials.

Highlights: Mostly all tracks