A//TAR Offer Sustenance For The Soul in “Hallowed”
Just when I thought I’d broken myself of the habit, I find it’s time to revive a word that was once banefully ubiquitous among music reviewers. Yes, the record before us is nothing short of epic. Epic in the sense of grandiose, though not bombastic; layered with emotional depth and rich slabs of doom-laden atmosphere. This is A//TAR from Portland, Oregon, a supergroup of sorts, comprised of members from Hound The Wolves, Boneworm, and Skull Island, to reference just a few (aficionados of the Rose City heavy underground will know those names well).
For the members of A//TAR, ‘Hallowed’ (2019) represents sweat and sacrifice, an ascendance musically, artistically, perhaps even spiritually. “Upon the A//TAR we place our past, though the triumphs and tribulations of humankind,” the band declares. “From the technical and artistic birth of society achievements in art and technology, as well as the rise of power, war, destruction, and control of humanity, though the the inevitable dark decay and cold loss, our music has been inspired.”
Their debut album is replete with dense textures (“Horology”), post-metal stylings (“War Altar”), and mystical aura (“Induction”), not to mention moments of sheer ferocity (“Spoils”). Already, it has warranted comparisons to Neurosis and Amenra – justly so, I too would argue. A//TAR are not jonesing for the quick fix of the hooky riff and flashy drum fill. You won’t mosh to this. What you will do is become absorbed by it, body and soul.
A//TAR’s Hallowed will be available in CD and digital formats on September 6th via Monochord Records (pre-order here).
Give ear…
Some Buzz
Hailing from the dark and gloomy Pacific Northwest, Alltar (stylized as A//tar) deftly combines elements of Post-Metal, Doom, and Sludge; and in an act of pure alchemy, wholly creates their own image. In the midst of the bass-heavy, distortion-laden wall of sound lies an element of somber, melodic beauty.
The Portland, Oregon quintet are masters of slow-burn dramatic tension and explosive riffs with impassioned vocals giving their songs a formidable intensity. Reminiscent of the crushing ferocity of Souls At Zero-era Neurosis, the cinematic metal of Amenra, and multifaceted haze of Cult of Luna, A//tar are a return to thoughtcrafty heavy music.
Founded by guitarist Tim Burke (also of Hound The Wolves) in 2016, the band has developed through a careful, deliberate evolution to reach its perfect lineup with Juan Carlos Caceres (vocals, Moog), Nate Wright (drums), Colin Hill (guitar, samples) and Casey Braunger (bass.) With the same deliberation, the band spent the latter half of 2017 recording their 4-song debut album at 3 different studios in Portland, then mixing and mastering in Spring 2018. A record label came into the picture soon thereafter, though the album release was held up as the label’s funds were scarce. Eventually, the label folded and the band wrestled back their masters, choosing to self-release, now well into 2019.
“Upon the A//TAR we place our past,” the band declares. “Through the triumphs and tribulations of human-kind. From the technical and artistic birth of society’s achievements in art and technology, as well as the rise of power, war, destruction, and the control of humanity. Through the inevitable dark decay and cold loss, our music is inspired.”
A//TAR On Tour
09/04 Portland, OR @ Dante’s
09/19 Portland, OR @ Fixin’ To (album release show)
09/20 Eugene, OR @ Sessions’ Lounge
09/21 Boise, ID @ The Shredder
09/22 Reno, NV @ TBA
09/23 Sacramento, CA @ On The Y
09/24 San Jose, CA @ The Ritz
09/25 Santa Cruz, CA @ The Blue Lagoon
09/26 Oakland, CA @ The Golden Bull
09/28 Seattle, WA @ The Highline