The Matador seems to be a band plagued with Matadors. Back in 2011 when the debut was released the band name clashed with a southern influenced hardcore group from Nebraska. 12 years after its second release, the South East Queensland quartet return at the same time UK/Australian band Matador released an album through Church Road Records. Make no mistake though, Throat Of The Mountain is the meatiest post-metal of the lot. Hints of early Cult of Luna and truck loads of doom and sludge mark an excellent return with three perfect post-metal tracks.
This has everything a post-metal fan needs, screaming vocals over contemplative music, screaming vocals over music that’s building, and screaming vocals over eruptive doom kissed crescendos. It has the modern flavours in there of Cult of Luna’s power and reflection, Russian Circles bass impact, and the atmosphere of Amenra, but it also does this without ever sounding like a covers band. The addition of some clean vocals is done incredibly well and elevates title track ‘Throat of The Mountain’ to one of the instantly listenable post-metal songs there is. Moments of serenity give way to raging floods of epic post-metal.
The three expansive tracks here don’t feel like the reflection of a band that has been away for 12 years. They accomplish a tremendous feat of taking the familiar sounds of post-metal and amplifying them to exciting places. From start to finish Throat Of The Mountain envelops and captivates. Whatever has caused such a long absence hasn’t affected the music but it would be greatly appreciated if something else as good as this doesn’t take another decade.
