sertraline-thesemillsareoceans-reviews

Review from Metal Roos

Thu, 07 May 2020 19:45:58 +0100

From: Metal Roos

Published: May 5, 2020

Sertraline is a post black metal band from Buffalo, NY, USA. Their EP “These Mills Are Oceans” encompasses 3 tracks: “Eyes as Tableau”, “Their Cities” and “Prague I”. You will hear different dynamics ranging from cleans to black metal style tremolo leads, enchanting atmospheres and thought provoking ambience made of well-composed intros, verses and choruses. This beautifully crafted music with a nostalgic feel to it slightly reminds me of Agalloch’s “Ashes Against The Grain” and Evoken’s “Quietus” albums both of which I am personally a huge fan of. You could easily find resemblance in many other artists in the doom and black metal scene.

I have been listening to this EP for a few days now and I am normally hard to please, some people call me an asshole, and they are not wrong. I can be critical where it is due. If a piece of music is not great, we should say so purely with the intent to enable the artist improve on what they are doing. For that reason as an artist myself I value negative feedback over positive. However, all of that is irrelevant to SERTRALINE’s “These Mills Are Oceans” which to my surprise has resonated almost instantly. This EP just hit me in the face out of nowhere and since then I could not stop listening to it.

To get a better understanding why this is the case, I looked up what the band name means. As it turns out “Sertraline” means “anti-depressant” (as in a drug/pharmacy medicine). This makes total sense now. It is exactly what the music is meant to be – a thought provoking emotional roller coaster, the essence of the word “catharsis”. Personally I struck a huge chord with “Prague I” however “Eyes as tableau” could easily be the highlight tracks as well as “Their cities”. The overall EP production is good. The vocals sound like they are in the background, personally I would like them to be more present, but when listening to the music it is hard to even notice unless you are listening intently to analyze the production which in this EP is unnecessary. I personally would like the drums to be a tiny bit louder and prominent and there is huge room to experiment with different drum parts in this sort of music. A couple of skate beats sound out of time on the drums, not sure what happened there, but even that is very minor comparing to what this whole EP represents.

The EP cover does not reveal too much other than it is something obscure, which leaves the listener to interpret it in their infinite imagination. It would be nice to have something more specific, as there is so much emotion in the music surely the author had something more specific in mind. The title “These Mills Are Oceans” in my limited interpretation seems to be another way of saying “still waters run deep” or simply put “this music is very deep and thought provoking”, however I could be wrong here. Same goes for the song titles,- not entirely sure how to correctly interpret them as there is plenty of room for imagination. In general I find it challenging to fully or accurately interpret another person’s art, as this EP could carry easily many meanings. The lyrics could provide more insight into what exactly this EP is about, as the vocals are hard to understand, but again this is not necessary. Maybe this music is not meant to be understood, but merely enjoyed.

Most importantly in a time where a lot of bands copy their favorite artist, this EP and artist stands out due to their originality. Whoever crafted this music did so from the bottom of their hearts and souls and it is noticeable when listening to it. If I was the artist, I would not change much at all other than write more music like this. I believe a lot of people will truly enjoy this EP. Thank you for your music, the world needs it.

Rating: 4.5/5
Reviewed by: Justin Ks

Review from Ave Noctum

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 21:49:29 +0100

From: Ave Noctum

Published: February 2, 2020

Original Link

Citalopram, Venlafaxine, Sertraline, those little pills known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors make the bad old world that little bit more bearable for those of us that simply cannot cope with it. Helping with anxiety and depression and simply stopping us from going postal and killing people, many a creative person finds themselves in need of them to cope with day to day living. There is a duality though as they mask the problem rather than solve it and that is comparable as I sit here listening to this band out of Buffalo New York to the sunshine sparkling through the window and leaving you comfortable despite it being freezing cold outside. There are no less than 6 people in this group including 3 guitarists and they favour the EP release rather than full length album. This digital only is their 3rd, following on quickly at the tail end of last year from June’s ‘From Both Our Hands’

Post black metal is the name of their game and again that sunshine is very much present in their sound dualistically contrasting to often harsh and guttural vocals that are not so much raging but cloaked with a layer of pain. ‘Eyes as Tableau’ enchants with a thick gothic bass tone and fluttering guitars reminiscent of Fields Of The Nephilim. As the sound expands there is a certain wonderment and joy to it as it shines and glistens, the vocals giving a darker edge but not one without hope and a sudden explosion blasting away and picking the pace up to a gallop. Its very much a sound of light and shade but one that is uplifting rather than dour. I’m not sure the sudden ending does it any big favour and this could easily have progressed for me but it seems time to move onto the next of this trio of songs. Urban conglomeration is very much the theme of ‘Their Cities’ which has poeticism at it’s heart along with a jaunty guitar jangle. It seems like a place where aforementioned tablets are necessary to exist and one where “the mills of sorrow will always grow.” Life is tough, there’s a certain weariness found here in a gentle musical segment as we explore the place. Although the lyrical delivery is hard to fathom the message behind it is clear “we must go and never look back Leave their cities behind and head for the trees…together.”

No doubt one place the band have wandered through is ‘Prague’ as this is the subject of the third ode; romance and fate a touch away through the cobbled aged city. This has an ambient feel and some gentle acoustics moving from a feeling that is at first ominous, then calm. Likewise, the vocals move from growls to clean and things feel in harmony here. Perhaps there is some peace, a touch of normality, maybe the pills have kicked in and the side-effects lessened. We are left with a Zoloft smile that even the abrasive surge to the end cannot shift.

Rating: 7/10

Reviewed by: Pete Woods

Review from Metal Temple

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 21:34:19 +0100

From: Metal Temple

Published: January 14, 2020

Original Link

On November 12, 2019, SERTRALINE released their third EP “These Mills Are Oceans.” Impressive, as this EP comes merely a few months after their second EP “From Both Our Hands,” which was released July 5, 2019. Formed in 2015, SERTRALINE hails from Buffalo, New York. SERTRALINE plays post-black metal similar to the likes of ALCEST and WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM.

“Sertraline” is the generic name of Zoloft, which is used to treat depression and panic attacks. The band name is certainly apt, as their music serves as a cathartic release for the listener. The trio of guitars creates engaging and lush soundscapes that range from soft melodies to dense black metal riffs. The guitar riffs and melodies blend together so well that the listener can’t tell where one ends and the other begins. This EP utilizes relatively mellower guttural growls than the higher pitched screams that can be heard on other post-black and atmospheric black metal albums. There are no clean vocals unless you count the whispers scattered throughout the EP for effect. The plucking of the bass adds a bit of interest at the quieter sections when it is audible. The drum patterns complement the other instrumentals as necessary to drive the mood of different sections, whether as blast beats or more restrained rhythms.

“Eyes as Tableau” is the opening track. Most memorably, this track does cut off somewhat abruptly at the end; it’s not your imagination. If the cut off is purposeful, it does a good job of snapping you out of a trance, similar to the snap of a hypnotist. Next is “Their Cities,” the second track. This track goes through a plethora of emotion, through the rolling crescendos and dulcet valleys. The EP closer is “Prague,” which is the track I recommend. The first half is melodic and gentle. Over the 7 minute duration, the song builds and takes you through an emotional journey. Towards the end, it culminates with blast beats and an intense riff.

Overall, I recommend this album to fans of shoegaze-y post-black metal. It is a short one at only 20 minutes long, but I guarantee that you will be in a trance the entire time. This album isn’t for a lively or rowdy time. However, if you want to meditate on a record or just need background music, “These Mills Are Oceans” is a solid choice.

Rating: 7/10

Reviewed by: Cherie Wong

Review from Angry Metal Guy

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 20:00:29 +0100

From: Angry Metal Guy

Published: December 24, 2019

Original Link

From the unsettlingly pink cover to the opening urgent melody, I loved Sertraline’s These Mills Are Oceans. The New York six-piece deliver a haunting brand of melodic post-black metal on their second EP of 2019. Both are stellar but These Mills takes it for me—just. Falling somewhere between Wolves in the Throne Room and Deafheaven, the walls of sound delivered by Sertraline’s three guitarists are rich, textured slabs of bleakness that tower up, threatening to swamp you, even as the drumming and excellent bass keep you afloat. The growling rasp of Tom Muehlbauer’s vocals is both powerful and moving. Many of these guys played together for years in Where She Wept, and the chemistry is clear to hear. When Sertraline do release a full-length, it’s going to be something special and I’m calling dibs on it right here, right now

Review from Art-noir

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 19:58:21 +0100

From: Art-noir.ch

Published: December 16, 2019

Original Link

Wer unter Depressionen leidet, der bekommt oft Sertralin verabreicht. Dieser Wirkstoff hemmt die Neurotransmitter und mindert Angst- und Zwangsstörungen. Wie weit sich die neue EP von Sertraline aus New York dafür eignet, kann ich bezüglich meines fehlenden Medizinstudiums nicht nachweisen. Sehr wohl aber ist dieser Blackgaze, dieser träumerische Black Metal, eine wunderbare Flucht aus dem tristen Tag, aus den Wolken im Kopf. Mit drei Songs und schier unendlichen Gitarrenkaskaden startet die Reise ins Ungewisse.

Ein Wenig mehr als 20 Minuten dauert das Vergnügen von “These Mills Are Oceans” an, eine natürlich wirkende Veränderung zwischen wildem Geknüppel, hallenden Saiten und schleppenden Post-Metal-Passagen, während überall die bösen Stimmen herrschen. Sertraline bilden mit ihren Liedern Gemälde, die sich an schroffen Felsen und steilen Klippen orientieren, bei der sich die Musik gerne in den freien Fall stürzt. Erleichternd schon fast “Their Cities”, mit isolierten Gitarren, wuchtigen Zwischenteilen.

Dagegen stellt “Prague” ein ambient-artiges Intro auf, aus dem sich langsam das Schlagzeug erhebt und den Song in einen andächtigen Schluss mit Tremolo und Post-Rock führt. Sertraline kehren dem Black Metal stark den Rücken zu, ohne dessen Grundlagen zu verleugnen. Dadurch ist “These Mills Are Oceans” emotional und mitreissend, weit über die Stilgrenzen hinaus. Nur schade, werden die drei Stücke von Furchen geteilt, anstatt elegant einander überzufliessen.

Reviewed by: Michael Bohli

Review from Infernal Masquerade Webzine

Sat, 23 Nov 2019 21:50:04 +0100

From: Infernal Masquerade Webzine

Published: November 21, 2019

Original link

With a huge infusion of Post-Black Metal bands these days, it has become a very interesting job to listen to all their releases and find diamonds in the rough. Today we got lucky and found Sertraline’s latest EP release “These Mills Are Oceans”. While most bands try to copy the genre pioneers, this outfit marks their own path with the perfect balance between shoegazey guitars and furious BM onslaughts.

This short and sweet release kicks off with the Post-Rockish beginning of “Eyes As Tableau”, a track that slowly builds up to pretty cathartic moments of dreamy guitars and harsh vocals. The particularly enjoy how well is the bass guitar mixed, allowing it to lead the way. For those looking for more dreamier Lustre kind of tracks, “Their Cities” is that perfect mood shifting track that will send you into an aural trance.

Closing with the creepy “Prague”, the band explores a darker and more atmospheric side to their sound, and of course they finish the song strongly with more intoxicating guitars and a very melancholic vibe. Overall, “These Mills Are Oceans” is yet another strong proof that Sertraline is one band to follow and that their musical journey is truly a magical ones.

Rating: 92/100

Reviewed by: Dark Emperor

Review from Welcome to the Metal

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 21:06:54 +0100

From: Welcome to the Metal

Published: November 13, 2019

Original Link

Just a few months back, we reviewed Sertraline‘s EP, From Both Our Hands, well-knowing that the band had decided to split their previous full length idea into two separate releases. Admittedly, I’d forgotten all about the second part of Sertraline’s 2019 release plan, but their OTHER new EP, which I just got in my email today is quite simply, a masterpiece.

I’m not just saying that because of my obsession with atmospheric black metal. I definitely had to dig deeper than that. Things kick off with a frightening chill via the song, “Eyes As Tableau”. The introduction of this song, and consequently this album, is a savagely creepy progression with Middle Eastern vibes, all fairly unique to the band. But once the echoing clean guitars and subtle tribal drums give way to an avalanche of distortion and ominous reverb-laden effects, Sertraline get back to normal. This entire song is a depressive, melancholic, labor of loss and despair. For a band like Sertraline, it’s honestly the perfect mood to use, when picking up after the conclusion of the previous EP.

The second track, “Their Cities”, goes right for the throat within the first few seconds. The drums are full of personality this time around, complimenting the guitars with heavy, but jazzy arrangements between the kick, snare and cymbals. Some interesting tom fills follow, making way for more of Sertraline’s signature sound. Long, sustained notes in the higher register, carry the melody, while lower register chord progressions keep the rhythm strong. At the same time, this track weaves in and out of distorted sections with saddening clean passages. I hear a lot of Opeth and Insomnium influence in this one.

The EP concludes after only three songs with, “Prague”. If you’re hungry for this kind of stuff, don’t worry about the lack of tunes. The three songs together, make for around twenty-one minutes of music. “Prague” is very black metal right off the bat, vocally. Creep-tastic, drawn out notes with lots of chorus, play beneath those distant sounding, reverb-filled harsh vocal rasps we all know and love. As the song progresses, the rasps turn into a mixture between clean singing and spoken word. There’s a soft, Gothic vibe here, reminiscent of Pete Steele. Then, from there on out, it’s deliciously epic depressive note progressions and harsh screams, conveyed through the ever-appropriate 3/4 time signature. You’ll waltz all the way into your grave to this song! And don’t forget about the tasty blast beats and fills that will pleasantly surprise you from time to time.

Fans of Elffor, Katatonia, Opeth, Insomnium, Wolves in the Throne Room and others of the like, should give Sertraline from Buffalo, NY a try!

Reviewed by: Mike Marlinski