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Released on April 1, 2016 via Gilead Media
On first listen, A Startling Testimony of Plumb Lines was intriguing to say the least; for its duration it removes you from wherever you are into somewhere inexplicable. Lake Of Violet is a project formed of Locrian member André Foisy and Cedars of Lebanon member Anthony Michael Couri; something improvised at its inception and later fine-tuned when Jacob Essak of Sun Worship and Neil Jendon of Catherine joined the line-up. A Startling Testimony of Plumb Lines is the expansive result of this venture, carried by Gilead Media who at this stage is notorious for housing releases that have stood out in all corners of heavy and experimental music. This project is no exception, with so much detail included throughout the effect it leaves is damn near immovable.
This record is an odyssey; a true example of how incredibly written songs can create an explorative affect. ‘Backwards Light’ is dripping in a haze that sets an atmosphere that intoxicates throughout the whole album, the guitars are heavy in a way that adds to this haze with high levels of distortion and drones. Driving the track forwards is the drum work, constantly changing in the composition and always retaining a very ritualistic sound. Collectively, including the elevating vocals, the track provides a beautiful yet solemn start to the overall journey embarked on here.
This theme continues on into ‘Circles in Red Dirt’, a track that introduces itself with eerie whispering before beginning a sonic progression that can’t be described as anything but a trip. The drums and base roll throughout the track in a ceremonious manner allowing for the twisted and wailing guitar leads to disorient the listener. However, the track is composed so well it never feels like it’s losing direction; a feature the whole album displays with pride. ‘Dark Blue Square’ keeps the progression of the record refreshing with acoustic instrumentation and a focus on the vocals which glide stunningly over the mix. The other worldly nature of this record is emphasized again here in a gentler way, a breather from the density achieved in the longer cuts.
The next 2 tracks pick up the levels of heaviness, atmosphere and instrumentation once again; ‘Bastard and the Infinite’ washes over you with guitar drones and stunning vocal performances. The climax of this journey is certainly reached with ‘Captive Fugitive’, a colossal track that serves as an explosive ending, the percussion is at its most ritualistic whilst the vocals and guitars sound their vastest. The half way mark lays waste to the previous serenity of the track with doom metal guitar riffs that deliver a crushing level of distortion before closing the track out.
The closer is the calm after this storm, a perfect ending and final display of the beauty capture within this record. ‘Please Stay Longer’ has a neo–folk feel to it whilst remaining in tune with the atmosphere of the album. Not only an example of the project’s ability to transition, but also one of the focal points of A Startling Testimony of Plumb Lines.
This record, despite maybe needing a few spins, is as vast in sonic measure as it is in emotional attributes. This results in an experience more than anything, one I think many people within the metal listening sphere will find a lot to enjoy. A record worth your time and a record that will sit boldly among Gilead Media’s already unique collection of releases.
