Reviews

Album Review: "a path in entropy" - black particles

Hungary's Experimental Prog act

by The Metalverse

Updated December 09, 2024

Album Review: black particles - "a path in entropy" | The Metalverse

Tracklist

the worm in man's heart
carrying time - a narrative
the stranger in the mirror
stubborn hope
irreparable innocence
carrying time - another narrative
silent joy

Review

Starting in Budapest, Hungary in 2017, post-rock act black particles released their 7-track album "a path in entropy" in November. The first song "the worm in man's heart" slowly fades in with growing ambience before exploding into bright guitar progressions, and chunky riffs before bursting into a racing blast beat with rapid instrumentation. The 4-minute track is filled with technical riffs and dynamic melodies that keep the song interesting. The fully instrumental band displays an impressive showcase of technical musicianship with catchy yet devastatingly heavy instrumentals.

"carrying time - a narrative" starts with dark pads as building drums set an energetic tone. black particles expertly use atmospheric tones to create deeply complex soundscapes that exhibit a beautifully crafted depth that doesn't feel as though it's lacking in vocals.

"the stranger in the mirror" starts with screeching dissonance, dynamic drums, and a more aggressive metal pacing than the previous track. Hard-hitting leads are followed by reverbed high melodies and progressive drum work. black particles create an attractive sound that mixes progressive rock/metal with experimental ambient music–all while seeming to have an overall futuristic and space-like twist on the music. Clocking in at just over 7 minutes, "the stranger in the mirror" takes the listener on an immersive journey through soaring guitar solos, booming drums, and thumping bass lines. The track gently fades out with clean guitar and bass melodies.

"stubborn hope" builds into one of the harshest sounds of the album so far, with brutal guitar chugging alternating with melodic grooves, creating a brilliant use of contrast to keep things interesting.

The 5th track "irreparable innocence" starts with upbeat guitar chords, progressive drums, and emphasized high guitar leads. black particles showcase their talent of building massive instrumental layering that works to create intensely intricate atmospheres while still having melodies work together without clashing. Clocking in at 7 and a half minutes, "irreparable innocence" is a powerful track filled with loads of guitar-driven riffage, impactful drumming, and experimental gusto.

"carrying time - another narrative" (named similarly to track 2) picks up with a similar vibe to its predecessor, with harmonic guitar strumming, layered melodies, and atmospheric soundscapes that take the listener on a voyage to another time and place.

The final song of the album, "silent joy" is the longest of the 7 track LP at just over 12 minutes. Filled with an extensive display of proggy, experimental rock, and metal, the track features sections that swap between clean progressive sections and fully-fledged electrifying sections that take the form of a harder sound. black particles make excellent use of juxtaposition between tempos and intensity to create huge energy shifts that maintain a wildly interesting sound.

Overall, "a path in entropy" is an impressive showcase of what black particles has to offer–a unique sound that mixes the best of experimental post-rock with grooving progressive metal. With a fully instrumental sound and masterfully forged ambient soundscapes, black particles set themselves apart in the heavy music scene. You can stream their latest album, "a path in entropy" out everywhere now!