The Canadian duo known as The Visit wowed us with their mesmerizing mix of classical chamber music, folk, metal, Middle Eastern and Persian influences on their single song EP Between Worlds, and here they are back again with another unique release, their full length debut titled Through Darkness Into Light. Comprised of cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne and vocalist Heather Sita Black, the two have crafted five songs equaling an hours with of intense, richly invigorating music that is probably like nothing you have ever heard before.
Heather's haunting yet ethereal vocals swoop and soar over Raphael's enchanting but at times furious cello riffs on the glorious opener "Without This Flesh", which is nearly 15-minutes of classical overtures blended with the fury of metal and the baroque nature of chamber rock. Chilling cello strains drift in and out on the pulsating, somewhat menacing "Offering", and Heather's gorgeous crooning float over minimalist cello arrangements on the dreamy "Cast Off Her Veil", one of the most beautiful songs on the album. The band approach extreme metal intensity on the raucous "Through Darkness", with Raphael's blistering, manic cello riffs stabbing in the dark while lovely vocals soar over the top, while the lengthy finale "Into Light" features gorgeous vocals and lush soundscapes that will instantly appeal to any classical or chamber rock fan.
It really takes a lot of talent to take just a voice and a cello and create music this enthralling, dense, and rich, yet keep it equally minimalistic at the same time. Let's give lots of credit to The Visit for delivering some of the most beautiful and quite unique sounds we've heard here in 2015. It won't be for everyone, but if you love to discover new worlds and uncharted territories, definitely give this a try.
Track Listing
1. Without This Flesh
2. Offering
3. Cast Off The Veil
4. Through Darkness
5. Into Light
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