CHARCOAL GRACE

The Australians of Caligula's Horse arrive at their 6th album surprising, first and foremost, with their lineup; after all, although changes are not new when it comes to the group, this time, following the departure of guitarist Adrian Goleby, they decided to continue as a quartet. The band now consists of Jim Grey on vocals, Sam Vallen on guitar, Dale Prinsse on bass, and Josh Griffin on drums, thus foregoing the rhythm guitar that was present on all the other five albums of the band.

Although only released at the end of January 2024, "Charcoal Grace" has been in the works since 2020. After the release of their previous album, "Rise Radiant," and due to the pandemic, the band was unable to tour and promote their most recent work, so they decided to use this time to compose. Meanwhile, due to the circumstances of the time, "Charcoal Grace" became the band's deepest and most sentimental album, delivering an incredible variety of both dark and luminous musicalities, all skillfully conducted under one of the voices that can currently be considered one of the most distinctive in progressive metal. It's also worth noting that the album is one of those works where its individual pieces might not make an impact or excite the listener on their own, but when evaluated as a whole and dealing with the range of emotions employed in the songs, everything can change.

Would it be an exaggeration on my part to consider "Charcoal Grace" a kind of somber listening? When I encounter its composition, it feels like I'm entering a darker and deeper sphere of the human experience. I feel like an invisible listener, witnessing the echoes of desperate cries emitted by souls abruptly thrown into the void of isolation. "Charcoal Grace," with its enigmatic aura and enveloping melancholy, seems to weave together the souls of its listeners, guiding them through a labyrinth of dark and introspective feelings.

"The World Breathes with Me," with its 10-minute duration, marks a captivating start to the album. The track begins with subtle guitar work, immediately revealing the harmonious purpose that the band intends to convey throughout the record. The drums gradually enter, building the music to a point where it bursts forth with the group's characteristic intensity, albeit with a slightly softer approach than usual. From dark, introspective moments to brighter, expansive ones, the track unveils a rich and immersive musical narrative. The music reflects artistic maturity, with each section contributing to the overall narrative without losing cohesion or emotional strength. Meanwhile, the lyrics offer a powerful and moving portrait of the complexity of human experience. They remind us of the importance of facing challenges with empathy, courage, and determination, always seeking to bring light and meaning to the shadows we encounter along the way.

"Golem" stands out as the heaviest, most direct, and energetic track on the album, featuring excellent guitar riffs and a dynamic, powerful rhythm section. The vocals on this track are polished and controlled in the verses but become intense and energetic in the choruses, heightening the emotional intensity of the music. Indeed, the choruses are a high point, laden with emotional charge that inspires a desire to sing along loudly with the music. The track is an explosion of energy and emotion, anchored by a skilled ensemble of instrumentalists. It showcases the band's ability to create a powerful and memorable auditory experience, leaving a lasting impression on the listener and eliciting an intense, visceral emotional response. In the lyrics, there is an exploration of universal themes of pain, guilt, and the quest for redemption or meaning amid desolation. The use of vivid imagery and intense metaphors creates an emotionally charged atmosphere, inviting the listener to reflect on the deeper aspects of the human condition and personal suffering.

The album's title track is a true journey divided into four distinct parts, each represented by a separate song, resulting in a sensational epic spanning approximately 24 minutes in duration. This complex and multifaceted composition is likely the highlight of the album, challenging the listener to a deep immersion to understand all the nuances and layers that make it so special.

"Charcoal Grace I: Prey," with its nearly 8-minute duration, stands out as the longest part of the title track. The song begins with delicate guitar arpeggios, establishing an introspective and almost orchestral atmosphere. Then, the band enters prominently, creating a solid foundation that supports the melody, culminating in a moment of silence before Jim's melodic vocals emerge over a beautiful harmony. The musical piece displays a strong instrumental balance, alternating between moments that could be considered aggressive within the album's context and others that are softer and more contemplative. It's a personal and emotional journey of someone confronting their own contradictions and toxic influences, seeking to find their own path and voice.

"Charcoal Grace II: A World Without" is the second part of the composition, beginning with the same arpeggios from the start of the previous track, this time played on acoustic guitar. Meanwhile, subtle guitar notes and drumbeats gradually create a growing atmosphere, setting the stage for the joint entry of all instruments in an energetic manner. However, soon after, the music becomes serene, and Jim introduces the first vocals of the piece almost in a whisper. This is one of those songs that start subtly, without revealing much initially, but gain intensity and depth over time. The climax of the song is marked by a guitar solo that explodes into an emotional catharsis. The intensity of emotions and the poetic imagery used create a profound atmosphere of self-exploration and a search for meaning and healing.

"Charcoal Grace III: Vigil" represents the smallest and most subdued of the four parts of the composition. The song begins with acoustic guitar, vocals, and some soft bass notes, creating a delicate and introspective atmosphere. There's a sense of anticipation, as if at some point the drums will come in and provoke a sonic explosion, but that doesn't happen. The sonic landscape continues within a constant subtle and emotive state, both instrumentally and in Grey's vocals. It's a calm and introspective pause, an opportunity for the listener to breathe and absorb the subtle and evocative emotions that permeate this part of the composition. Lyrically, there is a deep exploration of emotional conflict and the search for meaning and redemption through powerful poetic imagery. The lyrics evoke a sense of inner confrontation and personal transformation in the face of life's adversities.

"Charcoal Grace IV: Give Me Hell" represents the fourth and final part of the title track, also being the darkest and even funereal at certain points. In this section, the intensity reaches a new level, with a pulsating rhythm section and a guitar that radiates immense strength, including a powerful solo. The vocals, meanwhile, are skillfully accentuated with palpable anger, even when they seem on the verge of delivering a more placid line. It's a dramatic and powerful closure to an intensely captivating musical journey. An intense emotional and spiritual journey, exploring universal themes of guilt, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. The poetic imagery and expressed feelings reflect a profound confrontation with the past and a search for authenticity and redemption.

The four parts of "Charcoal Grace" serve as a common thread exploring the dynamics - or lack thereof - between a child and their father. To better elucidate the narrative style used by the band, if you're familiar with the more conceptual works of Marillion, the way the story unfolds here bears some resemblance to the band's approach, especially emotionally, reminiscent of the album "Brave." It's a testament to the transformative power of music when combined with a powerful and emotive narrative, resulting in a deeply meaningful and memorable artistic experience.

After such a powerful and profound act, it is comforting to be embraced by a piece like "Sails," which allows the listener to breathe to the sound of something simpler and beautiful. This song is truly one of the most beautiful ever composed by the band, a stunning ballad filled with drama and melancholy, and adorned by formidable vocals. The music stands out for its simplicity and stripped-down beauty. The arrangements are delicate and engaging, creating an intimate atmosphere that invites reflection and contemplation. The lyrics convey a sense of struggle, resignation, and persistence in the face of life's difficulties, while also reflecting the emotional and spiritual depth of confronting disillusionments and obstacles, yet resolving to move forward and find meaning even in the most adverse circumstances.

"The Stormchaser" is a track that demonstrates exceptional balance in its moods, perfectly representing the essence of the album. It also stands out for its various excellent vocal lines. As with the entire album, the band once again demonstrates exceptional skill in executing music cohesively, resulting in a truly sparkling piece. It's a song where diverse emotions are carefully intertwined, creating a rich and immersive musical narrative, while delivering a theme that explores self-acceptance, interpersonal relationships, and confronting adversities. The poetic imagery and metaphors used create an atmosphere of introspection and a search for meaning amidst life's challenges.

"Mute" is a brilliant choice to conclude the album, offering a finale that couldn't be more impactful. The song begins with an impressive display of Jim's vocals, reaffirming why he is considered one of the best vocalists in progressive metal. Soon after, the entire band joins in with an energetic and orchestral sound. Throughout its 12 minutes, the band takes the listener on a rollercoaster of different vibes and nuances, delivering heavy, soft, and reflective moments, all within an extremely accessible development. The seamless transition between different atmospheres and musical styles is executed masterfully, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish. As a conclusion to the album, "Mute" perfectly encapsulates the essence and complexity of the entire journey presented. It's a piece that defies expectations, offering an exciting and satisfying conclusion. Lyrically, there's a sense of inner struggle and search for meaning amidst a challenging world. The poetic imagery and symbolic language create an intense atmosphere of confronting adversity and longing for redemption and renewal.

"Charcoal Grace" definitely highlights some of the best songs in the band's entire catalog, showcasing their ability to offer freshness and innovation in a niche like progressive metal, where surprising and innovating can be challenging in today's music scene. This album is a touching collection of insightful, well-crafted, intense, and truly progressive songs. Ultimately, "Charcoal Grace" is a testament to the vitality and creativity of Caligula's Horse, solidifying their place as one of the leading voices in the world of contemporary progressive metal.