Aglasio – Threshold (2024)
Strutting through the realms of metal, grunge, hard rock, alternative rock and prog rock, German foursome Aglasio blends the heaviness of rock with the chaotic darkness of metal. It all began in 2022 when vocalist Kevin met drummer Jan at a TOOL concert. They connected and decided to create a band; when guitarist VV joined, the trio began playing their first sessions. Bass guitarist Uta turned the trio into a quartet in late-2002 and Aglasio (formerly known as Blank Acknowledgements) was born. Inspired by the likes of TOOL, Coheed and Cambria, Porcupine Tree, Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam, the group has a powerful foundation from which to develop; however, an inimitable sound ooze from the newcomers. This is my introduction to Aglasio, but they are already turning heads across the globe from the UK, the USA, France, Brazil and their native Germany.
Following their 2023 singles ‘Oscillation’ and ‘Only Truth’, ‘Threshold’ is taken from the band’s debut EP To Those Who Tremble. Recorded and produced at TuneWorks studio in Rostock, To Those Who Tremble has been described as a collection of songs to “deal with inner struggles and the madness that comes at you from the outside and the resulting search for meaning and the self.”
Alongside the grunge-inspired track ‘Maps of Meaning’, the thunderous ‘Fallacy’ and punk-infused ‘Mantra’, ‘Threshold’ captures the core of progressive metal with bold screams and scorching instrumentation. Aglasio explains that “’Threshold’ is a progressive metal fever dream that initially lulls the listener into a sense of security and then knocks the air out of the pit of their stomach…”
What I find intriguing about ‘Threshold’ is not the “fever dream” aspect but the group’s manner of drawing a listener into the kaleidoscopic world of metal. An elegant sophistication exists in the arrangement as screaming guitars delicately meld with pounding drums. Yet, while sophistication exists, a brash vulnerability clings to the mature melody presenting confidence with a rugged rawness. Laced with Kevin’s harsh vocals, ‘Threshold’ sends chills along your skin preparing you to fall over in awe; but, as with the collision of confidence and fragility, you remain standing feet firmly planted on the trembling ground.
Find out more about Aglasio on their Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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