Hippotraktor Stasis (LP)

Bol Partner

Hippotraktor’s album Stasis is a full-length LP released in 2024. The Belgian band delivers a highly **progressive metal** record that stands out through its intricate songwriting, post-metal soundscapes, and a distinct blend of djent riffing. The album encompasses both moments of visceral heaviness and dynamic melodic nuance, firmly situating Hippotraktor in the lineage of modern progressive metal bands with influences reminiscent of Meshuggah, The Ocean, and Leprous. Stasis features a complex and emotionally intense sonic palette. The title track, 'Stasis,' is notable for its grinding verses and heavy groove, shifting from aggressive screams and breakdowns into softer, jazz-inspired guitar segments. This piece exemplifies the band’s ability to contrast brutality with delicacy, maintaining a gripping intensity while incorporating unexpected shifts in mood. Another key track, 'Silver Tongue,' condenses Hippotraktor’s style into a more direct and compact format. It showcases the group’s knack for both technical riffing and atmospheric melody, hitting hard with mathematical precision before drawing the listener into subtler, more haunting territory. 'The Reckoning,' which closes the album, takes a slow-burn approach with tribal drumming, mellow guitar textures, and breathy vocals. This finale balances the album’s heavier moments with an organic, dreamlike vibe, revealing Hippotraktor’s ambition in arrangement and emotional reach. Throughout Stasis, the band emphasizes mood, sophistication, and contrast. The record’s heaviness is not merely a matter of sheer volume but a result of meticulous layering and textured production. Clean and screaming vocals intertwine with clear instrumentation, and the arrangements intelligently shift between dense, crushing riffs and airy, atmospheric passages. The overall result is a compelling and contemporary metal LP that rewards careful listening with its depth and craftsmanship. Stasis cements Hippotraktor’s place in the modern metal scene, showcasing the band’s versatility and refusal to compromise. The album is recommended for anyone seeking complex progressive metal with post-metal ambiance and djent-inspired technicality. With its release in 2024, Stasis expands the boundaries of its genre and is sure to resonate with listeners drawn to both the intellectual and emotional dimensions of heavy music.

Fnac

origineel album - Verschenen op 07/06/2024 - bij PELAGIC