Those of you familiar with the band that was Beastmilk, will know the greatness that is their 2013 album, ‘Climax’. The Finnish deathrock band received critical acclaim in its wake, and widespread attention across the music world. Unfortunately, they parted ways with their guitarist, Johan Snell, earlier this year. For some bands, losing a key member could spell the end. That was not the case for the bands remaining members. They sought to change their name, add a new guitarist, and push things forward. We now welcome Grave Pleasures, and their debut album ‘Dreamcrash’.
Given the three main members history in Beastmilk, it carries a similar dark, brooding atmosphere from their past. However, rather than try to do the same thing twice, they have pushed the boundaries of their own sound. The addition of live/studio guitarist, Juho Vanhanen (a session musician of black metal stock) has given Grave Pleasures a harder rocking edge than their previous outfit, and with Tony Dalgety’s (Killing Joke) production, ‘Dreamcrash’ is pleasingly raucous.
The first section of the album lives up to the Grave Pleasures self-professed style of apocalyptic post-punk. ‘Utopian Scream’ and ‘New Hip Moon’ are three-minute bursts of raw energy. The repetitive drumbeats that pulsate underneath searing guitar riffs are redolent of classic post-punk, but with a heavier sound. There are even nods toward a disjointed take on rockabilly through ‘Crying Wolves’, with the half-time rhythms reminiscent of The Meteors, albeit sans the upright bass. Vocally, Grave Pleasures frontman, Kvhost, captures the eerie aura of Killing Joke’s, Jaz Coleman; his reverb-laced wails drawing from the iconic Siouxsie Sioux. He is unrelenting in his delivery, and never pauses to take a breath through each track, with his range remaining consistent no matter what mood the music brings across.
As ‘Dreamcrash’ progresses, ‘Taste The Void’ and ‘Lipstick On Your Tombstone’ are filled with 70’s rock fury, while straddling new wave punk. The duelling guitars of the aforementioned Vanhanen and Linnea Olsson (The Oath) complement each other perfectly, giving Grave Pleasures a fuller sound than what we heard from Beastmilk. When it comes time for the last part of the album, they create warm textures through the blues driven ‘Crooked Vein’ – a track in which Kvhost pushes his vocal to a higher register.You’ll notice his ability to carry longer notes (without breaking) and crooning “gotta get myself straight”.
It is easy to hear who has influenced Grave Pleasures on ‘Dreamcrash’. There are moments where you want to say “Oh, that sounds Killing Joke” or “That part really reminded me of Terrible Feelings”. However, they haven’t just ripped off these bands. They have used the tried and tested method; applying it to their own sound, and making it a very cohesive record. With post-punk being pretty hot right now, and Grave Pleasures choosing not to repeat what Beastmilk had already done very well, ‘Dreamcrash’ is the perfect way to start this new bands future.
GLEN BUSHELL