We approach ‘A Mass in the Water’ with a certain reverence and respect. You see, the album emerges from a place of deep pain and emotional confusion, as Belgian creative WHOLES slowly come to terms with his father’s suicide, seeking suitable answers to an indescribable tragedy. What follows are nine pieces packed with dystopian, striking distortions and melancholic, rowdy vocals. Embracing noise and industrial rock, among other influences, ‘A Mass in the Water’ reveals a stream of detuned guitars and raw, gritty riffs, a listening experience that’s not for the faint of heart.
Yet, it’s a listening experience that greatly resonates with WHOLES’ dark thoughts and troubled introspection. Known by day as Wolf Vanwymeersch, the Ghent-based musician channelled all of his inner frustration and vivid nightmares in his debut album, a body of work that fits the colours grey and black, if one were to be looking at it with synesthetic eyes. Simply, it’s a cathartic, gloomy offering. One that makes a lot of sense for WHOLES; perhaps one that will help him deal with challenging emotions.
Delving deeper into the record, the Belgian musician explains: “The album captures a descent into confusion, rage, and grief, but also the slow, stubborn search for connection. The name WHOLES itself was born from that tension: where holes signify wounds, wholes point to healing.”
Recommended! Discover ‘WHOLES’ on Spotify:
