Dimensional Bleed
Holy Fawn
September 9, 2022Holy Fawn, the Phoenix-based band whose 2018 DIY release, Death Spells, earned the fledgling foursome widespread recognition from both colleagues and writers, return with the eagerly-awaited album, Dimensional Bleed (Sept. 9, Wax Bodega).
“We’re always going to be the same four humans making music,” explains singer/guitar player Ryan Osterman of the collection that they co-produced with Mike Watts (Dillinger Escape Plan, Glassjaw). “With every release, I feel like we’ve continued to learn how to best support each other both mentally and musically, which enables us to try new things. Personally, I think this record has truly allowed us to explore more creative avenues than we did with Death Spells.”
News of the 10-song album’s impending arrival is met with the release of a second single the album, the title track from the new LP. The group released the previously released single, and video for, “Death Is A Relief” in advance of their spring tour with Deafheaven.
“’Dimensional Bleed’ vaguely refers to a concept of multiple dimensions and timelines that could exist simultaneously,” adds guitar player Evan Phelps. “A lot of different media has alluded to this ideology, and I find the possibility of multiple dimensions intersecting and bleeding into others to be fascinating.” Both songs can be streamed below.
Reviews of Dimensional Bleed on Release Wave
Holy Fawn return with highly anticipated sophomore LP
Holy Fawn have an incredibe talent for combining post-rock, shoegaze, doom and black metal into a cohesive and undeniably massive sound, that's both beautiful and crushingly heavy all at once. The songs have a range of dynamics, from loud to quiet, noisey to melodic, but always captivating. Death Spells demonstrated all of this very well, but the anticipation for the new LP "Dimensional Bleed" along with it's two new singles has expecations even higher. Eagerly awaiting the 10 song full length LP so I can share some more thoughts and first impressions leading up to the release. I am sure this will be a top contendor for album of the year and looking forward to seeing them on tour with the amazing Astronoid and at Riot Fest this September.
Holy Fawn with another phenomenal release
Holy Fawn are a band who are gradually making their way onto the radar of the scene, albeit slowly. Much like their music, Holy Fawn revel in patient dynamics, holding onto that feeling you get right before the calm of a storm erupts into an explosive wave and knocks you out.
Their debut “Death Spells” housed so many memorable tracks it’s hard to pick a favorite. “Arrows” might be the one that comes instantly to mind; imagine Andy Hull (Manchester Orchestra) buried his vocals under a sea of swirly guitars and churning drums.
“Dimensional Bleed” is not a direct continuation of where they started––it’s an advancement. The band’s ability to harness dynamics is more refined, the melodies more elegant, and the build ups more explosive. “Dimensional Bleed” finds solace in the gradual; they take their time this time around. Admittedly, this isn’t always a good thing; some of the tracks are nearly 7 minutes long, sometimes a bit too long for most listeners. “Empty Vials” meanders a bit and the production lends itself to the melodies getting a bit lost and buried behind the atmospherics.
However, the second half of the band showcases the band’s perhaps best performance on “Void of Light,” with well blended ambient guitar leads and an excellent rhythmic pace; the bridge is at once beautiful and cinematic. One can quickly identify with the band’s influences––a more shoegaze-y, dreamy Sigur Ros comes immediately to mind; the screams and pacing are deliberate and wonderful here.
Another favorite of mine, “True Loss,” sounds like it could easily fit on the Vanilla Sky soundtrack. The shimmering melancholy meets love song hook is beautiful here: “Sometimes it feels like you’re the only one like me out there…”
While “Dimensional Bleed” might not be a far departure from where the band started, it’s clear Holy Fawn are securing their place as one of the more epic, explosive, and creative acts in the scene right now. I wouldn’t be surprised to see them sharing the stage with larger and larger bands and can’t wait to finally see them this fall on tour.