Band: Jupiterian
Album: Protosapien
Genre: Sludge/Doom
Label: Transcending Obscurity Records
Kunal and Transcending Obscurity Records are quickly becoming one of my all time favorite labels to watch for the heaviest of the heavy in metal. Already this year we've been given the epic Desert of Ghouls from Eremit, Gelidae Mortis Imago from the atmospheric doom metallers Noctu and more. Adding to the list is the upcoming 3rd full length from the Brazilian occult-ridden Jupiterian.
Coming in at 36 minutes Protosapien may not be the longest record, but it's filled to the brim with agonizing depth and impressive atmosphere. We're greeted by the intro track Homecoming which helps to set the mood for what I found to be a murky album. Track two, Mere Humans, grudgingly urges you forward with a grim-like attitude behind it. V's vocal talents are the best they've been and he showcases with a mix of higher well placed screams versus rage-filled lower growls.
R's bass gives the entire record an almost bottomless feeling as though you could fall through the songs forever. A provides a gloomy tapestry with the guitar as he weaves through the record at a hypnotic pace. That leaves P, of course, delivering some of what I'd consider the best drumming I've heard on record such as Protosapien.
Voidborn, track three, has some damn tasty riff changes thrown in the mix that keep it feeling fresh. The next track, Capricorn, has a slow build with those excellent deep toms placed in the front. After about two minutes has passed the band kicks it into high gear for a monstrous wall of sound. Starless may be my favorite song on the record as I'm quickly pummelled by the band's melodic gnashing of teeth. Track seven, Earthling Bloodline, closes out the record in a grand way. Highlighting Jupiterian's mastery of changing from a creeping pace to a mid-range intensity, Earthling Bloodline is a fitting end to Protosapien. Check out the video below (WARNING FLASHING IMAGERY).
I'm giving Protosapien a 9/10
Jupiterian's Protosapien is a contender for my top ten albums of the year as it is a masterclass in what the mixture of death and doom metal can sound like. The record drops 11th of September, and there are still some sick pre-order bundles up. Check out the links below for all things Jupiterian!