Review DROWNSHIP “Tidal Passages”

Drownship hail from Hamburg, Germany and has been around since 2018. The band released their debut album “Tidal Passages” last November, and post-metal fans should have this band on their radar. What the five-piece from northern Germany delivers is well-crafted and explosive metal. With experiences from other bands like Ophis and Todtgelichter, Drownship focus on electrifying metal built on heavy riffs and dynamic vocals.

“Where the Flood Springs” is the first track on the album and shows the band’s musical approach in a great way. Moderately paced, with a tendency towards doom, the band ignites a musical firework. Clean vocals and hoarse shouts alternate and create a special tension that runs through the song. Together with a massive riff, the song is an energetic introduction to the album.

Drownship’s musical spectrum is quite wide. In this context “Pacified” has to be mentioned. The song starts slow and oppressive before developing into a riff monster. Heaviness and a layered approach make the song the highlight of the album. A song that goes one step further is “A Tomb Between the Stars”. Clocking in at three minutes, the first intention is to expect a faster tune, but the opposite is what comes out of the speakers. “A Tomb Between the Stars” is a dystopian instrumental that sends shivers down your spine. And even though the track sticks to its main pattern, the level of intensity increases with each note played.

“Tidal Passages” is a stunning debut album that showcases the potential of a band that has just embarked on an exciting musical journey. Drownship is a band we should keep on our radars.