Pennsylvania is a hotbed of musical activity. Always has been, really – from metalcore titans August Burns Red to current barnstormers Code Orange, there is no shortage of bands flying the PA flag high. Lansdale natives The Drowned God are following in those well-worn footsteps, but the kind of “heavy” they pursue on their monstrous debut full-length Moonbearer is more akin to My Iron Lung (if they pursued a more expansive sound) and will also likely draw comparisons to Cult Of Luna, Gospel, and especially A Hope For Home (especially the latter’s Realis and In Abstraction records). The Drowned God are post-hardcore that veers into screamo and post-metal territory at times – these traits are evidenced in the album closer, the 13 minute long “Moon” (which also feature Rich from Gatherers).
What The Drowned God are doing is mighty impressive. It may be early in the year, but Moonbearer has easily vaulted its way to my shortlist of the year’s best albums. Moonbearer comes with my personal highest recommendation – any fan of expansive, adventurous post-hardcore music will likely enjoy this. Stream the whole thing below, and view the fantastic cover art, too.
