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Just when you think heavy music has been pushed to its limits this year, a bunch of heroe s emerged from the wildest realms of Australia, determined to shatter our perceptions and expectations. Hailing from Melbourne and justly self-described as "deranged cinemacore", newcomers The Gloom In The Corner deliver a memorable opus of unrivalled originality and creativity. Fittingly backed by SharpTone Records, the quartet blends a flurry of influences, guest features and production tricks for an outstanding metal opera for the ages.
While it might not be easily digestable or the most polished records this year, Trinity is undoubtedly the one everyone must listen to, regardless of band favourites and stylistic preferences. Fresh in approach, imaginative in composition and execution, and monumental in its audiovisual delivery, Trinity seems destined to transform The Gloom In The Corner into one of 2022's most curious breakthrough acts. If you are still not convinced, just check the second promotion single and the album's grand opener 'From Heaven To Hell'.
The Gloom In The Corner already have two albums behind their backs, but have so far remained relatively underground outside their homeland. And yet, the fact that they have been backed by SharpTone Records since their debut Fear Me (2016) should be a clear indication of their talent and potential. We have witnessed many overnight success stories in the last few years, and Trinity might just be another great example of how to capture the scene's attention with imagination and charisma, and by nailing the overall execution.
The record excels at the three main aspects that every modern metal band needs to perfect in order to stand above the crowd. First and foremost, Mikey Arthur is easily one of the best vocalist of his generation, with a fantastic range that can only evolve in the future, backed by the equally masterful Matt Stevens (guitar), Paulo Musolino (bass) and Nic Haberle (drums). This leads us to the second facet that is their visionary blend of inspirations, techniques and experimentations; a whirlwind of elements that span across metalcore, deathcore, nu metal, symphonic, death, groove, electronics, opera, you name it.
Last but not least, Trinity boasts a phenomenal selection of guest features. This can often seem like an obvious and forced marketing trick, but here the star-studded cast is cleverly selected and adds up just the right amount of flair in just the right moments. We have Ryan Kirby (Fit For A King), Joe Badolato (Fit For An Autopsy), Elijah Witt (Cane Hill), Monique Pym (Reliqa), Monica Strut (The Last Martyr), Talor Barber (Left To Suffer), Amelie Duffield, Lauren Babic (Red Handed Denial), Crystal Joilena, Rachel Jefferson, and even Ryo Kinoshita (ex-Crystal Lake) with what might unfortunately be his last ever musical appearance.
As far as conceptual albums go, Trinity sets the bar extremely high. The story originates way back in their earlier material, and easily deserves its own article, but here is a summary as shown on their bio: "As three souls plunge down from the heavens, death and destruction can be felt hanging in the air like a foul stench. Red clouds swirld around a black sun that never sets and an erratic clock ticks off-tempo, moving faster and slower before rewinding and starting anew." As crazy and confusing as the music that depicts it.
It's not all doom and gloom though, as the album announcement few months ago added a personal and emotional layer that is also reflected across the tracks: "dragging themselves through the depths of Hell, the Unholy Trinity set out on a journey of love, chaos and destruction to return to the ones they love." Another piece of brilliant release strategy, The Gloom In The Corner have now released an extensive 72-page manual, available to download for free, if you want to go deeper into their expansive narratives and storylines.
Lyrical and visual themes aside, the album is almost impossible to break down in separate tracks, and has to be experienced as a whole in its intended order. Roughly divided into few main acts with captivating spoken interludes, Trinity spans over 13 tracks for just under an hour. The four already released singles 'Ronin', 'From Heaven To Hell', 'New Order', and 'Pandora's Box' are standalone ragers, but there are many other hidden gems like the latest 'Behemoth', personal favourite 'Nor Hell A Fury' and monumental finale 'Hail To The King'.
All in all, The Gloom In The Corner have delivered an outstanding piece of modern metal with all its forward-thinkin and genre-bending nature. Majestic, cinematic and immaginative, Trinity reaches new highs for the band and their future now looks brigher than ever. When and how wild they go from here will be revealed in a few years, but you can rest assured it will be just as monumental. Well done Trinity, well done TGITC well done Australia!
The Gloom In The Corner - 'Trinity'
Country: Australia
Released: 28 October 2022
Label: SharpTone Records
Tracklisting:
1. 'From Heaven To Hell'
2. 'Obliteration Imminent' (ft. Monique Pym of Reliqa)
3. 'Ronin' (ft. Ryo Kinoshita, ex-Crystal Lake)
4. 'Black Rot' (ft. Monica Strut of The Last Martyr)
5. 'New Order' (ft. Taylor Barber of Left To Suffer)
6. 'Clutch' (ft. Amelia Duffield)
7. 'Pandora’s Box' (ft. Lauren Babic of Red Handed Denial)
8. 'Behemoth'
9. 'Gravity'
10. 'Red Clouds' (ft. Crystal Joilena, Elijah Witt of Cane Hill, Rachel Jeffreson)
11. 'Nor Hell A Fury'
12. 'Gatekeeper' (ft. Ryan Kirby of Fit For A King)
13. 'Hail To The King' (ft. Joe Badolato of Fit For An Autopsy)
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