Celan - Halo

Talk about an all-star underground rock band! This band called Celan sort of popped out of nowhere right in my mailbox with their debut full length Halo. It features a variety of rockers with an extensive career in underground music. Therefore expect nothing less than a superb noise/rock record, ready to blow you away!

Celan started out as just a collaboration between Ari Benjamin Meyers (Einstürzenden Neubauten, Redux Orchestra) and Chris Spencer (Unsane, Cutthroats 9), but as soon as they started working on it they realized it was more than just a little project. The band hooked up with two guys from the band flu.ID for drum and bass duties and also hauled in Nikko Wenner from Oxbow to play the second guitar. The result is a compelling noise rock album that varies from harsh Unsane-like rock parts to more melodic post-rock to relaxing soundscape-like parts.

Even though Chris’ voice is a signature one, especially if you know his work with his other bands, it does sound like he managed to adapt enough for a more melodic band like Celan is (if I'm not confused with the vocal work of the bassist). This disc has the good elements of all aspects of noise-rock in it. It grooves, it has melodies, it’s experimental in some ways and it can blow you away with ease. Fans of the other bands of the members of Celan should definitely check this one out. Turn up the volume and enjoy!