Trio Black Map have had a solid rise since their conception back in 2014. This supergroup made up of bassist, vocalist and lyricist Ben Flanagan (Trophy Fire), guitarist Mark Engles (Dredg) and drummer Chris Robyn (Far) got together 8 years ago and have produced a gritty alternative metal EP ‘Driver’.
The collective have come a long way since, releasing two full length albums and going on a massive tour with Chevelle, Bush and Highly Suspect among others. Rooted in post-hardcore and prog rock Black Map have continued to evolve their sound from record to record, and Melodoria is no exception. The latest release is a definitive level up from the previous work – it showcases the signature melodic heaviness but also taps into this epic anthemic soundscape that is both nostalgic and fresh.
The album kicks off with energetic and powerful ‘Chasms’, and a blazing guitar riff sets the mood for the record. This opening track channels the spirit of 00s’ anthemic rock and as the album goes on this feeling only gets stronger. The first half of the record showcases this new larger-than-life sound Black Map have crafted. Done wisely, it creates proper space for the tracks to breathe and deliver epicness in full measure. ‘Capture the Flag’ adds a whole lot of groove and distortion to the mix, with pinched guitars that almost sound like keyboards. The following ‘Madness’ is the culmination of the first half, it sounds like it came off a blockbuster movie soundtrack of the mid-noughties – think Nickelback’s ‘Hero’ and Spiderman. The first song written for the album, this track would have been top of the charts if released a decade ago. The highlight of the album and a real trip down the memory lane.
The second half of the album introduces further sonic variety as ‘Witching Hour’ picks up the pace and ‘Left for Dead’ turns up that bluesy guitar. Mood then hits melancholic notes laced with spaced out shoegaze on ‘Burnout (Do You Mind?)”. The title track and the longest one on the album ‘Melodoria’ concludes the record on a high. It takes its time to grow and build to then explode with riffs as it reaches full potential.
Black Map have come into the scene with quite a unique and varied sound; being a supergroup, each member understandably brought over tricks and tips of their musical past. Together, the trio manage to craft a fascinating mixture of prog rock and alternative metal, that carefully balances on the verge of heaviness. Melodoria opens up the breadth of sound even further and lets in the nostalgia of the noughties alternative rock. The established base of melodic groovy riffs and hooks is still here, but it is now surrounded by an epic wall of anthemic harmony. Black Map pluck the familiar formula right out of the 2000s and gracefully adapt it to their own sound. The result is mesmerizing as the old-school vibes call back home, proving their ability to be innovative and sharp.
Melodoria is out on Friday 18th February via Minus Head Records – pre-order HERE.