Photo by Caro Fernández
“Sentience” is the latest single from Mexico City-based atmospheric/progressive post-black metal project PHENDRANA. Now playing at Everything Is Noise, the track comes by way of their brilliant second full-length, Cathexis, set for release on February 6th.
Drawing from the desire to imbue its listeners with a deep existential introspection through music, PHENDRANA was born in 2013 as the solo project of Anuar Salum, a formally trained classical composer whose playing combines elements from atmospheric and progressive genres, and is permeated by tints of influence given by his rich multicultural background as a Mexican of Arab descent, the progressive rock and metal training that he has received throughout his life, and the teachings of many philosophical masters who have shaped his ideology.
Through the deeply psychological atmosphere that its music sets, PHENDRANA invites its listeners on a journey of musical reflection on concepts like depression, loneliness, and the need to face our fears.
Elaborates Salum, “Both with its music and lyrics, ‘Sentience’ embodies the most emotional and personal facet from Cathexis, offering a dynamic and energetic composition through a powerful arsenal of riffs, ear-melting vocal melodies from Ana Bitrán and the intense, energy-fueled drumming from Richard Schill (Dead By April, ex-Shining).”
Writes Everything Is Noise in part, “The opening drum salvo of fills and furious blastbeats accompanies the oddly harmonic guitar playing, immediately throwing the listener into a delirious whirlwind of sounds that gets the pulse racing. When everything slows down into the next riff in 12/8 time and Salum’s wretching vocals enter, the effect sounds like one of the mid-paced moments from Agalloch‘s masterful Marrow Of The Spirit in its gait and style. Then, out of the blue, clean singing enters the mix, with guest vocalist Ana Bitrán harmonizing effortlessly with Salum… Sure enough, following these very sad, very Opeth lyrics, PHENDRANA briefly introduces acoustic guitars to set the tone for what follows: a brutal, distorted, 12/8 stomp featuring astonishing drum and cymbal work from guest drummer Richard Schill…”
Phendrana Provide Two Worlds For the Price of One With “Sentience”
Read more and stream PHENDRANA’s “Sentience” exclusively via Everything Is Noise HERE.
Watch the band’s previously released video for the title track HERE.
Cathexis seeks to be the culminating fusion of Salum’s progressive rock influence with his classical music training with lyrics inspired by a profound existentialism derived from the reflexive despair of authors like Albert Camus, and the hopeful analysis of existentialist suffering by novelists like Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Featuring the extremely prolific lineup of talented musicians including Richard Schill (Dead By April, The Unguided, ex-Shining), Daniel Droste (Ahab), and Adrián Terrazas-González on flute/saxophone (ex-The Mars Volta), the playing in Cathexis combines the elegance and subtlety of Camel, the dynamism and versatility of Opeth, and the delicate art of chamber music instrumentation.
Cathexis will be released on CD (standard + hand-numbered) and digitally. Find preorders and merch at the PHENDRANA Bandcamp page HERE where the title track can be streamed.
Cathexis Track Listing:
1. Lamento
2. Cathexis
3. Sentience
4. The Effigy & The Titan
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