Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Vipassi took the stage through their first release / EP ‘Śūnyatā’ back in 2016, making instrumental progressive extreme metal music that was technical, melodic, as well as having an effect of being breezy and tranquil. ‘Śūnyatā’ had considerable influence from Ne Obliviscaris, understandably so, with familiar tones and melodies. As is evident with the band, albums, and song names, the band has thematically delved into Buddhist thought. Since then, Vipassi has added Arran McSporran (Virvum) on bass replacing Brendan Brown (ex Ne Obliviscaris). 2024 brings Vipassi back to the fold with ‘Lightless’, releasing on the 26th of January on Season of Mist.
A clear observation after the first run-through is the further separation from their early influences and a distinction, and further, delineation, of a signature representing Vipassi uniquely. The balance between complexity and emotional fluidity is more organic, and how the different sections gel with each other to create an aural narrative stands out immensely. There is an ample amount of patience displayed in the ambient sections to create weightlessness, showing how the content of the writing has been here. That this was an emotional and spiritual creation is fairly apparent.
Thematically, the band seems to have expanded beyond the Buddhist traditions and philosophy, as seen through song titles like “Shapshu” and “Promethea” signifying Canaanite and Greek mythologies, and touching upon light and darkness turned to sonic aesthetics. ‘Lightless’ is also a considerable improvement in the production and mixing of the tracks, and the layering and textures in the writing unravel very well because of it almost giving a post-rock undertone. The fretless bass is spectacular as expected, and stands out throughout the album. The guitars play scrumptiously alongside, and the drumming is technically astute and provides a great backbone powering everything around it. While mostly an instrumental album, there are some sweet touches of ethereal vocal harmonies and throat singing (“Neon Rain”) elevating the enjoyment of the album.
Vipassi transcends their roots and influences, and carves out an identity for the project with ‘Lightless’. There is purpose and certainty in the writing decisions, and a balance between brutality, technicality, and atmosphere. While ‘Śūnyatā’ was the launch pad, ‘Lightless’ is a finished product that also behaves as a solid blueprint for what Vipassi can hurl themselves towards.
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Songwriting & Lyrics9/10 AmazingVipassi transcends their roots and influences, and carves out an identity for the project with ‘Lightless’.
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Overall Sound9/10 AmazingWhile ‘Śūnyatā’ was the launch pad, ‘Lightless’ is a finished product that also behaves as a solid blueprint for what Vipassi can hurl themselves towards.