The future of Cormorant seemed uncertain in 2012 when lyricist, bassist, vocalist and founding member Arthur von Nagel left the band to pursue a career with Telltale Games, especially considering how instrumental von Nagel's role was in the writing process. Marcus Luscombe eventually assumed the role vacated by van Nagel, and now with a new release under the newly-reconfigured group's belt, Cormorant have proven to be a solid and salient group once again.
There are certainly changes; the lyrics seem more loosely written, a tinge more casual, less classically bombastic and more like modernist poetry, but the proggy, blackened ferocity is all wonderfully intact. The album is vast and varied: "Sold As A Crow" has a shimmering, folkish quality, while "The Pythia" somehow transforms the ponderous weight of doom into something with bounce and musculature. The repeated transformations, tempo changes and sheer breathless energy in "Mark The Trail" make it an album highlight.
It's as weird as everything we've come to expect from Cormorant, which is a glorious relief.
(Independent)There are certainly changes; the lyrics seem more loosely written, a tinge more casual, less classically bombastic and more like modernist poetry, but the proggy, blackened ferocity is all wonderfully intact. The album is vast and varied: "Sold As A Crow" has a shimmering, folkish quality, while "The Pythia" somehow transforms the ponderous weight of doom into something with bounce and musculature. The repeated transformations, tempo changes and sheer breathless energy in "Mark The Trail" make it an album highlight.
It's as weird as everything we've come to expect from Cormorant, which is a glorious relief.