Metal Monday: Sioum Are Master Crafters Of Soundscapes

posted in: Features • Rock

As mentioned a few weeks ago in my “OurStage Metal Veterans” post, Sioum are a band that are definitely deserving of a much deeper look. Born from “northern wastes of Illinois,” Sioum have crafted a blend of sounds all their own, based mostly in progressive, ambient and metal styles. Think of the most soundscape-based metal you can. Perhaps some obscure black metal, or some post metal in the vein of Isis. Now imagine taking that a step further, and you might be in Sioum’s ballpark. But, before you race to any conclusions, that’s not all Sioum does (if that were the case, why would they be featured in a Metal Monday post?).

What about the metal parts of Sioum, huh? That’s probably what all of you are waiting for, so I’ll get right to it: Sioum feature, amongst their moody and immense soundscapes, a strong selection of wonderfully constructed, transient guitar passages. Ranging from furious riffs, crushing stoner metal chords and fierce tremolo picking to melancholy, clean, finger-picked sections, Sioum manage to intersperse the guitar passages quite tastefully throughout I Am Mortal, But Was Fiend. Intensity ebbing and flowing throughout the album, finally coming to a head with the closing track, “Collapse””an all too perfect finish to the album.

While I Am Mortal, But Was Fiend is split into twelve tracks on Spotify and Bandcamp, it was actually conceived as three separate musical pieces, split into movements”all recorded, mixed and produced in their home studio (though you could never tell). I would be lying if I said that Sioum, and this album, were for everyone. While I Am Mortal, But Was Fiend is very grand and impressive, it’s definitely not something for those who have short attention spans. If you’re someone who isn’t put to sleep by slow-developing, soundscape-based music or post-rock/metal, this album is well worth your time.

By now I’m sure I’ve convinced you that Sioum are definitely worth listening to (if not, your loss). Multiple places on the net exist where you can check them out, and your best bet is probably the aforementioned Spotify or Bandcamp since you can hear the album in its entirety in those locations. You can even buy the album on their Bandcamp page for any amount of dollars you see fit, and get bonus material if you donate more than $5 to the Sioum cause. If you happen to live in the Illinois area, Sioum are playing shows near you, so you can check their music out in person if that’s your thing. Not sold yet? Check out a couple of their more focused movements in the player below.