The Noble Art Of Self Destruction
HOLDING ABSENCE
The Noble Art Of Self Destruction (SharpTone)
Describing The Notable Art Of Self Destruction as a “love letter” to who they are as a band, Welsh alternative metal act Holding Absence have crafted an expressive piece about the concept of healing. Lead single False Dawn enraptures with wraithlike atmospherics and a message about accepting failure. Equally, the ebb and flow between tranquil and vicious moments in songs like Honey Moon perfectly captures the emotional turbulence of dealing with change.
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Serving as a thematic sequel to Holding Absence’s second album, 2021’s The Greatest Mistake Of My Life, The Noble Art Of Self Destruction deals with many of the same themes of loss, and tragedy, while feeling more optimistic, acting as a document of recovery. Key to giving these songs their emotional effectiveness is Lucas Woodland’s vocals, as his cathartic singing style makes every word resonate.
Pieces like A Crooked Melody and Scissors are admirable for the way they fuse mercurial synths and cascading guitars, yet are made scintillating due to the way they contrast morose and uplifting sections. This penchant for writing atmospheric, arresting songs gives Holding Absence a unique style that they continue to develop and hone on this third album.
words ALEX SWIFT
