.AVI

Consecration is a Serbian post-metal band that has been active since the early 2000s. '.avi' is their second albums and shows a band that has fully matured into a sound that is very much their own.

Post-Metal can be a bit generic, with formulaic quiet-low dynamics and predictable crescendo's. Consecration have forged something remarkably personal though. The core of the sound is sludge/stoner metal, similar to Pelican, but a lot of attention has gone into the atmospheric and psychedelic sound, one that recalls Pink Floyd as well as Slowdive. There are next to now growls or harsh vocals on the album, and contrary to many Post-metal bands they have some very good clean vocals that define the songs with epic melancholic vocal lines (sounding slightly like a more powerful version of Renske from Katatonia). Much of the album is instrumental, varying sludgy riffs with slow atmospheres and wide ringing arpeggio's. I must say I haven't found any dips or weaker spots in this diverse album.

Consecration's '.avi' is a very recommended album, fit for fans of doomy metal as well as lovers of post-rock, post-metal, space-rock or any other ambient rock style. You might like this even if you aren't into the leading post-metal bands, but approach with care if you like your music fast and hyper-active. Potentially 4.5 stars over time.