Review: Conjurer – Mire (Holy Roar, Mar 9)

Well, it’s happened again; I’m so excited about an album that I’m reviewing it on the same day it came out. But Mire is so awesome that it’d be an injustice not to attempt to bring it to the attention of as many people as possible. It’s the debut full-length from the U. K. band Conjurer, and though they released an EP back in 2016 it’s the first thing I’ve heard from them. Needless to say, I was blown away. Though elements of various metal subgenres and the anthemic passion of post-hardcore can be found amidst Mire, the final sound is surprisingly unique, forging a new path through this range of styles that touches on each but remains distinct. The riffs are sometimes catchy and other times angular, always bolstered by thick, meaty production that gives everything its own weight in the mix. With emotional vocals shifting between guttural growls and invigorating screams, drums that go from pummeling blast beats to spacious doom hits, and a crushing heaviness that presides over every song, Mire is a crazy trip that I want to experience again and again.