The Angelic Process - Weighing Souls with Sand
Profound Lore Records
Drone Doom Metal/Ambient
9 songs (51'22)
Release year: 2007
The Angelic Process, Profound Lore Records
Reviewed by Milan
Archive review

In 1999 The Angelic Process was formed by Kris Angylus and Monica Dragynfly. Over the course of eight years they've released three EP's and three full lenghts of complex, multilayered drone doom of which Weighing Souls with Sand sadly was the last installment. After the release of said album K. Angylus suffered a hand injury that, despite surgery and comprehensive therapy, eventually prohibited him from playing an instrument. Unable to cope with this he developed a severe depression which tragically led to him taking his own life on April the 28th of 2008. K. Angylus being the mastermind behind The Angelic Process, the project has since then been laid to rest by M. Dragynfly, making Weighing Souls with Sand the final chapter of The Angelic Process' unique yet tragic journey.

To the uninitiated listener this album might come across as nothing more than a wall of noise. And in some way, one could say that that is what it is. It's an extremely exhausting and draining first listen. Through multiple layers of guitar riffs, simple yet effective drumming and oppressive yet melancholic ambience the couple creates a haunting atmosphere that will take you to another world, reminiscent of the apocalyptic beauty as seen on the album cover. Vocals by K. Angylus can be heard through the massive wall of sound but the lyrics are unintelligible. One can only guess to what they're about since they aren't available anywhere. And they don't need to be for that matter, the enormous soundscapes speaking for themselves. The band has described their sound in the past as "the sound of a soul" and K. Angylus' vocals truly sound as the final cry of his dying spirit, right before the last drop of life is obliterated by the unrelenting mayhem created by the instruments.

This is an album that needs to be experienced in its entirety, from start to finish. Sampling a song or two won't do it any justice. This is best listened to in a dark room with headphones, from the crushing opener The Promise of Snakes through the near sarcastically titled We All Die Laughing until the simplistic yet effective drums of closer Mouvement - The Smoke of Her Burning. Granted, this isn't for everyone. But to those few to whom this sounds appealing and are interested in experiencing this by themselves: be willing to let the music overtake you. It might leave you emotionally, maybe even physically, drained and it might take a few listens before it becomes even remotely enjoyable. But over time you'll be able to dig deeper and deeper into the beautifully apocalyptic universe only a brilliant yet tormented soul such as K. Angylus could create. And before you know it, you'll be coming back again and again, until whatever was left of your soul has fled your body for good.

Killing Songs :
The Promise of Snakes, Million Year Summer, We All Die Laughing
Milan quoted 90 / 100
Other albums by The Angelic Process that we have reviewed:
The Angelic Process - Coma Waering (Reissue) reviewed by Misha and quoted 80 / 100
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