VIPASSI · Lightless | BLACK/WHITE SPLATTER LP

Black/white splatter vinyl. Standard cover. Limited to 300 handnumbered copies.

Background information about 'Lightless'

What happens when members of Ne Obliviscaris, one of progressive extreme metal's most daring outfits, decide to strip away the vocals and let the instruments do all the talking? You get Vipassi and their stunning debut "Lightless". This is not your typical instrumental metal record – it's a shapeshifting, genre-defying beast that moves from crushing technical death metal passages to moments of serene, almost celestial beauty. The musicianship is absolutely staggering: intricate guitar work weaves through complex rhythms while the rhythm section provides a foundation that's both brutal and breathtakingly precise. Tracks like "Shrouded" and the title track "Lightless" showcase the band's ability to build tension and release it in waves, creating a listening experience that feels more like a journey through a dark, cosmic landscape than a collection of songs. The absence of vocals isn't a gimmick – it's a statement, allowing each instrument to occupy its own space and tell its own story. The production is crystal clear, giving every cymbal crash and guitar harmonic room to breathe while maintaining the crushing weight that metal demands. This is progressive metal at its most adventurous, unbound by convention and driven purely by the joy of musical exploration.

"Lightless" is an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new layers and nuances with each spin. From the atmospheric opener to the devastating closer, Vipassi prove that instrumental metal can be just as emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating as its vocal-driven counterparts. This is music for those who appreciate technical prowess without sacrificing soul, and atmosphere without sacrificing power. A masterful debut that sets a new benchmark for progressive instrumental metal.

For fans of:
Ne Obliviscaris, Beyond Creation, Animals As Leaders, Cynic, Persefone

Track listing

A1. Lightless
A2. Labyrinthine Hex
A3. Morningstar
A4. Shapshu
B1. Phainesthai
B2. Ruination Glow
B3. Neon Rain
B4. Promethea

Manufacturer: Sasu Soundworks Sarl, 126 Boulevard Bara, Heliopolis 2, Lot B4, 13013 Marseille, France, Contact: www.season-of-mist.com