StormbounD
December – Self Released
Since forming in Tel-Aviv in 2018, symphonic sextet StormbounD have left a tantalising trail of singles which lead us to debut album December. Born from a relatively small scene means the band have developed a unique sound, and it’s one that incorporates elements of progressive rock, folk, and various strands of metal. As you’d expect from such a concoction, December is a record in constant evolution and it shape shifts like some strange life form. With only two of the album’s tracks under five minutes in length, things tend towards the epic (which is no bad thing) and they don’t come more grandiose than the monolithic title track. A huge structure built towards the heavens, it’s a song of several suites with plenty of sonic shifts and dizzying time changes that are layered with angelic female vocals juxtaposed with gruff growls. It all conspires to transfer the listener to another, magical dimension, and if you were ever called on a quest to save the universe, ‘December’ would make the perfect soundtrack. Such is the immersive nature of this album that the hour running time passes in the blink of an eye, and its addictive quality will have you pressing repeat.
Review by Peter Dennis