DAEVAR
Amber Eyes

DAEVAR, the Cologne-based doom grunge trio, boldly ventures into unexplored realms with their latest offering, “Amber Eyes”. In this six-track record, they skillfully reimagine contrasting dynamics, mixing different elements that will leave every listener in awe.

One of the standout features of “Amber Eyes” is the meticulous mixing, mastering and production, that add a raw and authentic touch to the overall sound. Records can be perfectly written and performed, but if the quality of production is not top-notch, they get lost. Luckily this is not the case with DAEVAR!

Guided by the mesmerizing vocals of Pardis Latifi, she will take you in the depths of emotions, with an emphasis on doom atmospheres. DAEVAR balances the intensity of guitar solos with moments of quiet introspection, creating a fantastic ambience that is not common to find nowadays. Caspar Orfgen‘s guitar work is notable, being able to underline the minor melodies and sounds with his instrument.

The drums, wonderfully played by Moritz Ermen Bausch have the correct space in the mixing, and they don’t overcome too much the rest of the group. Incessantly, they however give rhythm never sounding too repetitive or fabricated. This is shown in “Lizards”, for example. Most people ignore the importance of a correct equilibrium, and DAEVAR instead has made this a founding pillar of their musical ability.

Each track on the album feels like a carefully crafted chapter, contributing to the general narrative of the release. DAEVAR conjures ethereal landscapes through their instruments: the trio has crafted a sonic universe, going over a mere sound. Each note reverberates with a haunting resonance, enveloping the audience in a mesmerizing ambiance that feels both otherworldly and intimately connected to the human experience. “Amber Eyes“ is like a vivid brushstroke on a vast, emotive canvas.

The doom grunge genre is often characterized by its heavy, brooding nature, and DAEVAR embraces these elements while simultaneously pushing the boundaries. It’s not your usual doom album, it’s an heterogeneous structure filled with atmospheric and groove influences. I would almost add the progressive adjective to it, since the complexity and the structure to the songs could resemble the ones found in this subgenre.

In conclusion, DAEVAR‘s “Amber Eyes“ is an album that cannot be overlooked. If you’re a fan of the genre, or if you’re not, don’t miss the chance of being transported to a journey inside your deepest feelings. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s one that we all must take.

Benedetta Baldin