We’ve talked about Los Angeles sludge outfit QAALM on the Decibel site a few times and we’re back again with a full stream of Grave Impressions of an Unbroken Arc, the band’s second album. Weighing in at 45 minutes over the course of four hefty tracks, QAALM cross the boundaries of sludge, assorted variants of doom—stoner and funeral, largely—, black metal and progressive rock.
In addition to a full stream of the new record, Decibel spoke with vocalist Henry Derek Elis to get a track-by-track breakdown of Grave Impressions of an Unbroken Arc. You can check both out and grab the album ahead of its official release on November 1 via Hypaethral Records.
“Borderlands”
This song is largely inspired by the spirits that inhabit ancient civilizations and indigenous land. It’s no secret that there’s a troubling history that plagues generations today. Natives that have been dispossessed, robbed of their resources, forced to live elsewhere. The darkness resurfaces, manifesting itself into disastrous things. Tainting the soil, haunting many of the lost souls that are living in turmoil today. Self-deprecation, scarification and the rejection of western religion is also a theme here. Prayers for the suffering and plentiful crops are more so a ritual and of cultural significance. Giving back to the earth as nature intended.
“Shadows Behind The Sun”
The sun is the source of life and regeneration. The moon, an infinite wellspring of inspiration from which hopes & dreams are born. Only, some dreams were meant to break your heart. It’s a story as old as time. Wishing for the unattainable, seeking answers within the shadows & ultimately subjecting yourself to a stark reality: the here & now. Finding a balance between what is truly significant and tuning into your subconscious can be a challenge. Because we are being governed by fundamental laws of the universe, but the basics aren’t so basic after all. The certainty of misfortune is inevitable and can crush our spirit and/or willingness to live. Leaving us to feel alone, dead to the outside world around us.
“King of Contradiction”
We all have friends that we celebrate, some that we tolerate and others we truly cherish. We nurture these relationships out of mutual respect and appreciation. We turn a blind eye to faults and shortcomings. There is a peaceful exchange, a pact in which we silently agree to reciprocate and tread lightly where and when we are not wanted. The boundaries are clear for the most part and we accept each other for who we are. But, perhaps you never really know someone. I believe this to be true for some people. But it’s especially hurtful at times to discover this truth. We’ve all been taken advantage of and betrayed at some point by those that we care about. For those with an agenda, it’s all to easy to try to control others, including other’s perception of you. That’s what narcissists do, shift the blame and/or try to take credit, steal your thunder, make you feel lesser than. It’s predictable behavior and only speaks to how weak and insecure they truly are. I say, let them have the glory and wear the crown they so dearly deserve.
“Hangman’s Lament”
People wear many faces. Sometimes it obscures a hidden agenda. Other times, it’s a defense mechanism. But, mostly people like attention. They want to be the hero. I ask myself, which character would I most likely want to portray within this masquerade? Certainly not the villain. But, I am comfortable being the bad guy when I have to be. Then there’s the victim. In my opinion, the least flattering role. Give him enough rope and he’ll hang himself. That’s where you come in.
