2024-10-04 07:00:53
(c) Andy Ford
The Book of Kings or Shahnname by the Persian poet Abū ‘l-Qāsim Firdausī is one of the most important works of Persian literature and took 35 years to write. One of many chapters serving Lowen as inspiration for their new album. This London quartet with roots in the Middle East is dedicated to the openness of progressive and post-metal music, incorporating elements of doom and the unique sound of Nina Saeidi, an exiled Iranian living in the UK. for their second album “Don’t make war with the demons of Manzandran” Lorne now combines sound and lyricism in epic ways.
Tracks like “Najang Bah Divhayeh Mazandaran” are also performed in Farsi and Sumerian in places, underscoring the ambitious plans for this landmark second album. Between doom-heavy heaviness and angry frontal assault, Saeidi’s voice deftly pushes forward and has you hooked within seconds. To say there is a special aura here is a subtle understatement. The fact that the “basics” of music are easy to follow means a lot to Loewen. The epic feel of post-metal attack, progressive mood imagery, and intricate imaginary lines between rock and metal will be instantly etched in your memory.
“Ghazal For The Embrace Of Fire” is a nearly nine-minute song that combines all the qualities of the quartet into one song that is equally powerful and impressive. First, Loewen pushes the door into the house, and then the first break again brings complex, intricate tones. It feels like at least five different songs have come together here, including classic prog songs, studies in Middle Eastern sounds, and even a technically inlaid dulcimer. “Dream the Seed of Your Own Creation” seems very simple and compact in comparison, but at three and a half minutes it manages to get to the heart of this group’s uniqueness with a raucous song.
Loewen makes great conscious use of extremes and sonic space, and evokes associations from Orphan Land to leprosy to mastodons and moon-god worship. This large pedigree should already indicate the breadth and uniqueness, not to mention the lyrical dimension, of the London quartet. There’s no doubt that “Don’t Make War with the Demons of Manzanderan” is powerful stuff, and it requires multiple runs and some patience. Yet the delicate playing intelligence, gripping songwriting, and powerful passion hidden in every note speak for themselves. Lowen hinted that the second release will bring big results.
Rating: 8/10
Release date: October 4, 2024
Available via: Church Road Records / Lay Bare Recordings
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lowenband
category: Magazines, reviews
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