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HIPPOTRAKTOR
(BELGIUM)
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STASIS
(2024)
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LABEL:
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GENRE:
PROGRESSIVE METAL / POST METAL
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TAGS:
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"With “Stasis”, Hippotraktor signs an ambitious, captivating, powerful and introspective album that explores the depths of progressive and atmospheric metal."
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4/5
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In this year of 2024, Hippotraktor offers “Stasis”, which shows a marked evolution since their debut album “Meridian” released in 2021 and the EP “P'eau” dating from 2018, confirming the Belgian band's ability to draw on a variety of influences to create a sound that is both complex and personal. “Stasis” plays on a dynamic of contrasts, blending raw intensity and acoustic passages, while drawing inspiration from the giants of the genre.
From the very first notes of the album, you can feel the influence of bands like Gojira, The Ocean and Meshuggah in the sonic breadth and bold arrangements. Hippotraktor takes us on a sonic journey where violent riffs blend with moments of introspective grace. On this album, the Belgians exploit crushing riffs and heavy grooves immediately reminiscent of Gojira. The raw force of the riffs, the jerky rhythms and the imposing bass lines evoke the energy of albums such as “Magma” or “Fortitude”. However, where Gojira often maintains a dense, constant sound, Hippotraktor likes to insert moments of silence and suspension, creating a breathing space that progressive metal fans will relish.
“Stasis” explores textures and ambiances that might recall bands like Cult of Luna or Mastodon at their most experimental. The production, more organic and clear than that of “Meridian”, allows each instrument to find its place and create total immersion.
Most of the tracks are long, often exceeding six minutes, and borrow progressive structures that reinforce the album's ethereal atmosphere. An audacious choice that may unsettle listeners in search of more immediate tracks, but one that pays off for those ready to be caught up in this dense, hypnotic sonic universe.
Another striking aspect of “Stasis” is the technical mastery of the musicians. The percussive rhythms and catchy riffs are reminiscent of Meshuggah's own groove, without lapsing into pure math-metal. The drums are surgically precise, and the guitars weave webs of sound, blending haunting melodies with cutting attacks. The album indulges in instrumental flights of fancy, at times reminiscent of Leprous or even Opeth in its darker harmonies, while retaining its own signature sound.
Hippotraktor also plays with dynamics, not hesitating to slow down the tempo to create almost contemplative atmospheres, before launching into sonic assaults of rare intensity. This alternation between moments of tension and release makes “Stasis” an emotional experience that leaves no one unscathed.
But where Hippotraktor really makes the difference is in the art of combining a variety of influences to create a sound all his own. “Stasis” could be seen as a progressive metal album - like ‘The Indifferent Human Eye’, which inevitably evokes Tool - but it also flirts with post-metal, sludge and even elements of atmospheric rock. This eclecticism is one of the great strengths of this opus, which manages to keep the listener captivated despite the length and complexity of its compositions.
Fans of The Ocean will recognize echoes of albums such as “Phanerozoic”, where the ambience unfolds in waves of sound, each track following the other in a natural progression. This ability to create continuity between tracks is undoubtedly one of the strong points of “Stasis”, which feels more like a journey than a simple listen. While we may regret that some passages are a little long or less accessible, this is also part of the identity of “Stasis”, which aims to be more than just an album: a veritable sonic odyssey.
With “Stasis”, Hippotraktor signs an ambitious, captivating, powerful and introspective album, exploring the depths of progressive and atmospheric metal. This second album establishes the band's flawless track record as one of the most promising on today's progressive metal scene. Those who take the time to immerse themselves in this universe will be amply rewarded, for Hippotraktor has sublimated its influences to deliver an album that is powerful, subtle and deeply captivating. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Descent 02. Echoes 03. Silver Tongue 04. Renegade 05. The Indifferent Human Eye 06. Stasis 07. The Reckoning
LINEUP:
Chiaran Verheyden: Guitares Jakob Fiszer: Basse Lander De Nyn: Batterie Sander Rom: Chant / Guitares Stefan De Graef: Chant
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(1) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
4/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (2 view(s))
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