Extrasensory to the ears and the mind

With only four years in the music scene—having formed in 2015—Tomb Mold has been consistent when it comes to releasing new music. Ever since their first full-length release in 2017 (Primordial Malignity), the death metal band has come out with an album every year since. This year, they have delivered a spectral, mysterious composition— Planetary Clairvoyance. 

From the first unearthly sound in “Beg For Life,” listeners are submerged into this atmospheric album. Among the heavy-hitting drums, fast-paced guitar and low, growly vocals, the song takes a turn when the guitar shifts to acoustic. This sequence breaks up the overall doom-gloom from the song, but soon a sinister drum fill accompanies and the song transforms back into what it started as. 

Out of the seven tracks, “Phosphorene Ultimate” is the only song that doesn’t have any lyrics and it comes off as a weary message. It sounds as if a message is trying to come through, but the machine is broken so listeners can not decipher what is coming through. Three minutes may seem long for a track like this, but it fits in with the ambiance of Planetary Clairvoyance and demands the same attention as songs with lyrics.  

While the vocals are indistinguishable most of the time due to Max Klebanoff’s low range, each song still has the ability to pack a punch and ensnare people’s souls. In songs like “Phosphorene Ultimate” and “Heat Death,” the sound effects add to the impact being made. The last track, “Heat Death,” ends with a minute-long alien-like noise. At first, it sounds like an animal dying, but noting the alien/otherworldly vibes throughout, it’s easy to hear extraterrestrial beings. All in all, these sounds make people pay attention and consider what they are listening to.  

Overall—for their third full-length album—Tomb Mold shows that they are ever-evolving and have a lot to offer. Having three albums and only four years into their career, fans have a lot to look forward to with the potential of this band. Planetary Clairvoyance is another step forward for the band and we will have to see what they do next.