Norway, home of church-burning black metal bands, darkness, creeping evil… and metalcore act Atena. Atena have gone against the stereotypical grain in their home country, though they have shared the stage with the likes of Borknagar and 1349.
They’re outright metalcore, though. No attempt to be part of the more extreme metal scene, and why should they? Sticking out like a sore thumb with a logo you can actually read, their music is just as different. Drowning Regrets is chock full of powerful, hard-hitting numbers… and a couple of odd ones. The “Intro” and closer “Drowning Regret” are atmospheric instrumental numbers and don’t really relate to the album as a whole. Slap in the middle is a series of recorded phone messages entitled “+47 3029”. All a bit weird.
However, the songs proper make up the bulk (thankfully) and they’re damn heavy. The first one I checked out was “Domestic Abuse” via the video below and it’s a bit of a weird one. Given the subject matter, the lyrics are very much at odds with the video… and the video itself seems almost awful to start with before it becomes obvious that it’s a parody of sorts. The thing is, it makes you stop and think, something that can be said for a fair few of the other songs.
“No Hope for Miscarriage” and “Death Is All I Think About” are at opposite ends of the album, but are possibly the two best tracks on here, showcasing between them pretty much all of the band’s styles and vocal ranges. Throughout, the twangy bass and constantly pounded drums keep everything ticking along, but it’s those vocals that really punch first and foremost. With clean, harsh, melodic and more, they absolutely tear into you.
Atena have taken pride in not being part of the pack, and its paid off. While I’d not say I’m a metalcore fan, this is an album I found myself drifting back to a few times which is why I decided to draft a review. Experimental and perhaps a little indulgent in parts, it all fits together well and conjures up – and gives release to – all those dark inner feelings.
Drowning Regret & Lungs Filled With Water is out on January 24th, 2020 and can be ordered on Amazon [sponsored link]
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