Hailing from Port Elizabeth, South Africa Mezzanine Floor conjure forth Prog Metal Majesty of the most arresting and atmospheric kind.
When using the term Prog Metal to describe the glossy, oceanic froth of sound this sonic coven unleash I use the term in a holistic sense as opposed to one beholden by stifling genre parameters.
The dynamic, nuanced and layered songs that make up ‘Aurora’ are far more than standard Prog Metal fare, rather they incorporate a smorgasbord of varying sub genres into their overall sonic narrative.
Across the nine track voyage that is ‘Aurora’ you will be treated to a turbulent tapestry of Post-Hardcore, Metalcore, Prog Metal and Post Metal which comes across as a rousing confluence of Mastodon, Tool, Car Bomb, Cynic, Isis, Norma Jean and Mouth Of The Architect.
Beginning with the blistering heft and swagger of “Anointment! The Deathless One”, ‘Aurora’ ignites the proceedings in quite an arresting manner. Track two, the eight minute and fifty second “Gustance! The Mandable” goes from mournful melodies to mammoth rhythms and back with the agility of a gymnast turbo charged on java beans.
“Sentience! The Amygdala” is a scorching slab of Post-Thrash infused vitriol that convulses like a schoolgirl on ketamine replete with vitriolic vocals, catchy melodies and deadly double kick devastation. Midway through its run-time one is treated to a plodding and despair ridden bout of howling vocals and melancholic reverie.
Tracks like “Cognizance! The Epiphany” with its simmering synth-oriented smoulder, punchy crescendo and the fist pumping propulsion of “Aurora! The First Light” have commercial appeal written all over their ravishing, heart-wrenching veneers. Witness the beefy breakdowns and vocal melodies that complement the staggering heft of the former and the latter taking flight into a cosmos of crushing riffs and corrosive instrumentation and be moved.
“Audience! The Hollow” is undoubtedly one of my favourite tracks on this album. With its Black Metal adjacent central riff and proggy Post Hardcore premise, this punishing track had me writhing within its scathing stranglehold as its labyrinth like swirl of sizzling sonic wizardry proceeded to wash over me for its ten minute duration.
“Tangency! The Defilement” and “Tangency! The Midas Touch” balance barrelling tempos, anguished lyricism and a web of whiplash like riffs with a sense of gravitas that is impressive to say the least.
The lyricism that pervades throughout this album, from my humble perspective is steeped in a sense of scathing cynicism, metaphor and fatalism that surges through ones veins like wildfire, complementing the alternately crepuscular, cloying, crippling and epic instrumentation on offer in the most stellar fashion.
The journey that is “Aurora” ends with “Voyance! The Spectre”, a seismic and sizzling piece of simmering sonic weaponry that is utterly iridescent. This alternately malevolent and melancholic song is steeped in a infectious sense of vengeance and vehemence that I found to be jarring in the best way.
Port Elizabeth has become a breeding ground for great local talent and Mezzanine Floor are yet another stellar example of the type of quality fare that we have been graced with from its surrounds.
I highly suggest giving this superb album a listen. With its cinematic vision and sprawling morass of artistry I have no doubt that you will be left reeling in its aftermath in the most blissful fashion.
-Asher Locketz-