“To Which I Bore Witness” is the second release from Canada’s post-metal duo They Grieve via Silent Pendulum Records.Taking the form of an introspective journey, it is meant to be depressing. The listener will be confronted with sad, loud music that’s not meant to cross into anger. The band wants people to sit with the album’s sadness and find comfort or kinship within. Each element of the release from the music, to the artwork, to the liner notes, is very intentional and suggested to be enjoyed as a whole. The band explains further:
“This album, both lyrically and musically, tries to capture the uncomfortable juxtaposition between weakness and weight. We are constantly trying to express the ways in which the ugliness and decay we see in the world sets itself down and plants its roots inside of us—how the weight of the world transforms into our own weakness once it has done so. We try to capture this feeling of juxtaposition and tension within the music itself by oscillating between ambient, textural drones and heavy, doom-laden riffs.”
They Grieve hopes that their music fills a niche not quite like other post-metal acts who are currently active. They feel that they offer a nuanced blend of doom(ish) metal and post-metal ambiance without diving into the more typical harsh noise territory. The production value of “To Which I Bore Witness” is a clear step up for them. Compared to the self-recorded debut EP, “I Made My Sacrifice Accordingly”, this new offering does a much better job of capturing the atmosphere and energy of their live performances.
A cold embrace of post-metal colliding with ambient drone, “To Which I Bore Witness” is recommended for fans of The Body, Cult of Luna, and Bell Witch. The album was produced by Topon Das (F*ck The Facts) at Apartment 2 Studio along with mastering done by Dave Williams at Eight Floors Above and additional tracks recorded by Alex Jakimczuk at Uppercut Studios. Album artwork was done by Pascale Arpin.
It can now be pre-ordered with a release date of February 24, 2023, via Silent Pendulum Records.
Album teaser – https://youtu.be/I2x696h8LCw
Album pre-order
– https://silentpendulumrecords.com/collections/all-products
– https://silentpendulumrecords.bandcamp.com/album/to-which-i-bore-witness
Track Listing:
1. Wither (7:12)
2. Under the Weight (7:23)
3. If Light Should Appear (7:00)
4. To Which I Bore Witness (6:43)
5. Guided (3:18)
6. Weakness (8:01)
Album Length: 39:40
Album Band Lineup:
Gary Thibert: Guitars, Bass, Vocals
Deniz Güvenç: Drums, Synthesizers, Piano, Vocals
Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Deniz Guvenc & Gary Thibert
• All songs written by: Deniz Guvenc & Gary Thibert
• Produced by: Topon Das at Apartment 2 Studios
• Mixed by: Topon Das at Apartment 2 Studios
• Mastered by: Dave Williams at Eight Floors Above
• Album Artwork by: Pascale Arpin
• Additional tracks recorded by Alex Jakimczuk at Uppercut Studios
For more info:
www.facebook.com/theygrieve
www.instagram.com/theygrieve
www.soundcloud.com/theygrieve
www.theygrieve.bandcamp.com