Belgium's atmospheric prog/post-metal act Atmospheres return with their sophomore release, titled The Departure, a 10 song album that floats, drifts, meanders, and oh yes, occasionally rocks out a little bit. Fans of Katatonia, The Ocean, or Anathema will probably enjoy some of the ambient flavors and charming melodies that many of these songs provide, with the vocals especially top notch throughout. At times, you'll be left wanting a little more 'thump', but the band does allow for some heavier riffing and intricate arrangements during parts of "Satellite", "The Arrival", "The Farthest Star", and the title track. Otherwise, look for airy keyboard textures, lilting guitar patterns, and lush, soaring vocals, providing for a pleasant listening experience, but one that overall could probably utilize a little more variety. Solid stuff for sure if you gravitate towards the more melancholy, mellow side of melodic progressive rock and post metal.
Track Listing
- Sun
- The Farthest Star
- Void
- Into Orbit
- Laniakea
- Satellite
- The Departure
- Direction
- The Arrival
- Vapor Trail