Clactonian – Dea Madre
Band: Clactonian
Title: Dea Madre
Label: Independent
Release date: July 12, 2024
Country: International (Italy/Finland)
Format reviewed: CD Quality Digital Promo
I was first drawn to Dea Madre because of the name and cover of the EP. A black/death metal invocation of the Paleolithic Great Mother is an interesting idea. The raw style of the cover, with a drawing of the famous statue in a new interpretation and the band name in red, also made me feel at home with its reminiscence of the metal history.
When the first chords of Clactonian strike I am not disappointed. The production is clean and simple, as if I am there in the room with the band, hearing them play only to themselves. It is safe and restful. It is as if nothing has happened since the late 80s. I am ready to invoke the Mother!
The good start soon progresses into some fierce but slow riffs and interesting melodic work, but before the Mother has arrived the flow is interrupted by breaks in the tempo and then the EP suddenly comes to an end. This is only an EP so I cannot complain about the length but still, I can imagine what this band could have done with a full-length album. At the ending I am left unfulfilled as if having participated in the beginning of a ritual that never was fully performed, but I also find myself hoping for the fulfillment in upcoming works of Clactonian.
Something about Dea Madre is so honest and real. The whole EP gives the feeling of a recorded rehearsal session. I feel a closeness to the musicians that goes well with the lyrical themes of rituals in caves. The biggest takeaway from this debut is the solo guitar. With a cleaner sound, it separates itself from the rhythm guitar and goes on its own adventure which is a joy to follow. The heritage of the 80s is clear in the melodic fragments but still, this soloist goes in unexpected directions that keep me captured and wanting more. In the guitar melodies, I can see the red paintings on the cave wall move with the flickering light from a fire.
The vocal style is unpolished and rough, honest as the rest of the production. The album could have benefited from more dynamic and emotional expression in the vocals. The style fits the overall production but adds no detail, like a story that is told only with the headline.
This is a promising EP from a new band with an interesting concept. I am eagerly awaiting their coming work since I have the feeling that they are only testing their abilities with this debut and will reach their full potential in the coming releases. When Clactonian reach their full potential and release their power through a full-length album, I am sure the earth will shake and the Mother will raise her voice from the deep. 7/10 by Ask Den Hängde
7/10: Victory is Possible!
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