Onasander – Dawn Metrics

Band: Onasander
Title: Dawn Metrics
Label: Winter Light
Release date: November 22nd, 2024
Country: Italy
Format reviewed: High-Quality Digital Recording

“The cosmic is within us. We are made of star staff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”

• Carl Sagan

Maurizio Landini, the mastermind behind Onasander, has crafted an evocative journey with his latest release, “Dawn Metrics”. This Cosmic Ambient and Drone album is an exploration of the mysterious and the infinite, drawing inspiration from an unpublished military science fiction story written by the artist himself. The album’s minimalism both sonically and visually enhances its introspective and cosmic themes. Concerning this, the cover art captures the essence of the album’s mood and themes. The central element of the cover art is a circle, decorated with radiating lines, that abstractly symbolize celestial phenomena a star, perhaps, radiating energy and light. This star can be interpreted as a metaphor for renewal, transformation, or even immortality. The black background symbolizes the unknown, filling the album with an aura of mystery and depth. Together, these elements hint at a narrative that transcends the worldly, evoking a sense of both cosmic adventure and introspection.

The story begins with “Dawn Metrics”, sets the stage with a meditative drone that feels expansive and cosmic. It captures the genesis of a story a prelude to an adventure that unfolds between stars and dimensions. The soundscape is immersive, creating a sensation of both wonder and anticipation.“Perpetual War” shifts the tone, suggesting conflict and tension. Its warning-like opening evokes a struggle, possibly between light and darkness or the internal versus external. The interplay of soundscapes creates a sense of unease yet maintains a hypnotic allure. Then comes “ Persistence in Space After Death” which is one of my favorites in this album, this piece delves into heavier, resonant tones that explore the concept of life beyond death. It contemplates the soul’s transcendence or the enduring presence of a celestial body after its demise. The balance of heaviness and ethereal elements conveys a profound sense of eternity. In “signifier” the heavy and dark rhythm persists, further connecting the listener with the Onasander’s immersive soundscape. This track may emphasize the role of a signifier as something that represents unspoken and unseen concepts from another realm.

The story reaches “The Unquenchable Fire”, a paradoxical exploration of creation and destruction. This track uses mystical tones to embody the duality of fire both a source of wisdom and a force of obliteration. The notion of an “unquenchable” flame further implies eternal knowledge or enlightenment, underscoring the album’s recurring themes of immortality and renewal. “Dead Central” shares a different experience with the distinct shift in the album’s atmosphere. This track opens with a siren-like sound that feels both hypnotic and beckoning. The name of the track reminds the black hole in the cover art. A central point where life and death intersect. Finally is the “Soldier of Misfortune”, closing the album with a haunting yet fitting tone, this track mirrors the desolation and mystery of its opening. The wind-like soundscapes create an image of a barren, infinite expanse, leading to a drone that hints at resolution but leaves space for reflection. The reference to an anime adds a layer of intertextual depth, blending personal inspiration with universal themes.

“Dawn Metrics” is more than an album it’s an epic tale woven through sound. By embracing minimalism, Onasander has distilled his narrative into a potent, meditative experience. Each track invites the listener to traverse unknown realms, whether among the stars or within the depths of their own soul. 9 / 10 by Pegah

Band
Bandcamp
Instagram
Mixcloud
Soundcloud
Facebook

Label
Webshop
Bandcamp
Discogs
Soundcloud
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube

9/10 Epic Storm
**Please support the underground! It’s vital to the future of our genre**
#WeAreBlessedAltarZine
#TheZineSupportingTheUnderground