For Fans of: Cloudkicker, Dan Dankmeyer - Bend The Sky

I know that the margin for completely enjoyable instrumental metal is small. A lot of people don’t care for it. They think it’s boring or not unique enough to stay interested. But if you apply it to the proper setting, say: contemplative thought, it becomes a joyride.

Take the Aussie four-piece outfit Bend the Sky. I have been jamming their sounds for months, whenever I want heavy, full, and cascading ambiance, but still metal. On their Facebook page, they describe themselves as “Atmospheric post-rock, djent, symphonic, death & math metal with (at times) elements of classical orchestration and keys.” That sounds like it’s all over the board, but they have crafted a very characteristic sound. At times, beastly breakdowns; at others, grooving, ululating riffs. Their signature however, is the constant background of orchestral synth that makes the music sound much more top-shelf. From their 2012 full length, Origins, gentle keys open tracks like “Reform” and “A Mindful Wave”, and eventually move into simple yet elegant chord progression that just sounds sincere. This is beautiful music that creates an enormous atmosphere for whoever is listening. Perfect for writing, reading, thinking, whatever you do to unwind.

Go grab their full length as well as their new EP Observatory on their Bandcamp page for free or give them a few bucks for their efforts.

http://bendthesky.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/bendthesky
https://www.facebook.com/bendthesky