O Sol Que Nos Consome – Opróbrio

O Sol Que Nos Consome or The Sun That Consumes Us, is a relatively new project from João Maia Henriques, former Vocalist of Lisbon Prog Metal outfit O Claustro.

Prior to latest release Opróbrio (Opprobrium) landing, came 2020's Movimento (Movement) followed by the 2022 single 'Não Me Estranhes a Ausência' (Don't Surprise Me Absence). 2022 also saw Diástase (Diastasis), an audiovisual collaboration with artist Eva Barrocas at the Festival Giacometti, a cultural event that according to its website features music, arts & crafts, anthropology, cinema, dance and gastronomy. The album's theme according to the promo notes, speaks of the first-person experience of living as a farmer in the south of Portugal. Intrigued? Me too...

'Desço' (I Go Down) combines gloomy Post-Metal style riffing and tasteful Electronic Rock. Therefore if bands such as Isis and/or any number of Pelagic Records artists tick your box, then you'll definitely be on board with what is being offered up here. In fact, it might be worth João having a chat with Pelagic Records head Robin Staps with regards to potentially joining the label's roster, as I feel the project would fit in well there, just a suggestion, planting seeds and all that. An impressive opener. 'Miasma' was released as a single back in March and its no wonder seeing as it features delicious Hip-Hop influenced beats, Vocals that recall Swans Michael Gira at his most ominous and Cure fashioned gloomy Post-Punk. Former Sinistro Vocalist Patrícia Andrade, who guests on this sublime piece complements João well, recalling former Gira bandmate Jarboe. A contemporary comparison could be Deeper Graves (that features Chromes Waves Jeff Wilson). 'Chão' (Floor) is a little more laden with drama and Henriques' Vocals seem more prominent this time round. Meanwhile the music fizzes along slowly with a threatening menace, the tension sustained, you expect it break out at any moment keeping you constantly at the edge of your seat. A thrilling ride all told.

With 'Entre Lacraus e Centopeias' (Between Scorpions and Centipedes) its evident that Henriques hasn't totally abandoned his Progressive Metal past. The sound here is somewhat reminiscent of Swedes Opeth, and thus a wonderful nostalgic nod to the past. 'Sede' (Thirst) has a haunting quality combining wistful Folk and seriously dark Ambient sounds reminding one of Neurosis' Steve Von Till's solo work and Urlo from Ufomammut's side-project The Mon. 'Opróbrio' (Opprobrium) starts with some truly divine Vocals that give the track a slightly Pagan feel, one can almost envision the chanting during The Wicker Man for instance. There's also an Odinic tone to the track as well as a Black Metal Scandinavian sensibility that has one thinking of bands such as Enslaved. There is also some exceptional Guitar soloing going down that unlike messers Malmsteen, Satriani etc has some actual soul to it and the beautiful Violin playing helps provide extra depth. A panoramic number that hits the spot for yours truly, a personal favourite. 'A Integração' (The Integration) at well over eleven minutes is the longest track by far on the album. Winding Progressive Metal, glitchy Electronics and brash Rap inspired Vocals laden with an overarching Gothic sheen that makes for a truly fascinating listen as well as a suitably epic conclusion to the album.

Opróbrio helps redefine both the meaning of the term progressive (in musical terms) as well as the listener's perception of that very genre. Gone is the pomposity, pretentiousness, fret wankery and twee fantasy obsessed lyrics of the 1970's, its instead replaced by something genuinely forward thinking and intelligent. Beautifully crafted this is a truly remarkable release.