Album Review :
Glae - Black Cloud

Glae’s latest EP is their 6th release overall (including 4 full-lengths and 2 EPs). The one-man band has made already made a significant impact on the deathcore genre, pushing beyond the limitations of what is typical in that particular scene. Black Cloud pushes those limits even further, and somewhat ironically inches them closer to traditional death metal, with some grindcore-like fragments as well.

There are definitely still some deathcore hallmarks, particularly in the crunchy guitar tones and use of pinch harmonics. But structurally, the songs are much more interesting than what is typical for the genre: breakdown/pig squeal/breakdown/etc. I’m being mildly facetious, of course, but you get the point.

Sole member Zack Glaeser handles all the instruments including vocals, drums, bass, and guitars. I don’t know if all acoustic instruments are used or whether any of them are programmed elements. The mixing and mastering is handled by Andrea Maggioni, and while the production is very good for this type of release, there are moments that feel a little muddy, perhaps because of all the over-laying of instruments played by one member. This is a very small critique though as overall the sound quality is good.

The album title is a fitting description of the themes here. While there is a remnant of a faith-inspired hope, it’s readily apparent that those hopes have been tested. While it’s not clear what has tested the narrator’s faith, something has transpired to taint past memories once filled with joy. “In Memory” is a clear example.

The vibrancy of these memories have left a permanent heart shaped imprint on my soul
When I could look into your eyes and speak without words
Nothing was ever so beautiful
So beautiful
So beautiful, but now only a distant memory
Encapsulated within me
I still dream of the days when this place was beautiful
The meadow was abundant with sentience
Now only a distant memory
Encapsulated within me

While “In Memory” deals with the loss of hope on an individual level, “Black Cloud” addresses things on a societal level, addressing the violence and division of our time:

Evil’s not getting any younger
It’s not feeling any better
The truth of this mess
Is not looking any brighter
Angry phases occupying empty spaces
The black cloud inches daily
Deadly forces not forgotten

“Cobalt-Based Fusion Bomb” takes offensive aim at those who have lost their true purpose and meaning in life, and are simply succumbing to the system and the powers at work around them:

Living for nothing but pizza and bong
Weaponized recreation created just to slow you down
To keep you compliant until you find out your chances are gone
. . .
Perversion of the temple
How has this become the current state of the west
Begging for lies and hopelessness
Possessed with the spirit of death
You are what you hate
Possessed with the spirit of death
You are what you hate

Just when you thought the message couldn’t get more pointed or intense, Glae turns their attention to Hollywood, and more specifically to the victimization of children:

The truth is stranger than fiction
These people worship satan
And have bloodlust for children
Sit down kick back and relax
And be fed porn, deceit, Idolatry, hate, and confusion through your nervous system manipulation device

This is not lighthearted stuff. Glae is taking aim at the darkness and they’re not taking any prisoners. However, it’s not all grim. “New Earth” describes the return of the Lord both as the judge and the liberator at the same time. “Forever Decay” finishes the mini-album with a sort of bleak reminder of the hope, juxtaposing feelings of despair in the world (due to regrets, past sins, etc.) with the inevitability of the ever-present reality of Christ. Or is the longing of a lost love? It’s hard to tell, honestly, but the ambiguity works well here:

Forever decay
I can’t let go
Forever in ruin, forever decay
I can’t see anything but you
I can’t let this go
Still searching

Don’t come to Black Cloud if you’re looking for something lighthearted and uplifting. That’s not the purpose here. But if you are open to an honest critique of the failures of modern society and one’s own individual misgivings, Glae might be a good companion on the journey.

Our server won’t allow me to give 1/2 points on ratings, but if it did, this would be a solid 3.5. Order physical copies, download or stream from Broken Curfew Records.