GOWLON is a freshly started solo project by Niklas Pietsch, a creative outlet aside his other band activities. Regarding the short info GOLWON seems to be more than music, rather an artistic overall concept with music as one part of it. And the EP He Talked To Me Like I Was Real is the first step on its long way of metamorphosis.
Musically GOWLON ranges in experimental fields, merging Black Metal, Ambient, Sludge, Doom and Drone. He Talked To Me Like I Was Real offers three long-running tracks with two short interludes in between. And He Talked To Me Like I Was Real is pure instrumental, with all instruments played and recorded by Niklas Pietsch himself.
He Talked To Me Like I Was Real spreads a gloomy and oppressive atmosphere. Guitars are extremely low-tuned serving brutal riffwork and interfere with Drone-like and Ambient-like soundscapes and mesmerizing hooklines and rhythm patterns.
I feel reminded of Owl. Without any info I would have sworn to listen to a release from the Zeitgeister label. That speaks in GOWLONs favor. Of course differences become apparent quickly, but the musical relation remains and can be used as reference to describe what GOWLON is about. Also Bohren und der Club Of Gore has left its impact here.
Opening track Blue Dancing, Red Nothing, Green Smoking sets in quite atmospheric, but soon guitar walls build up and captivate with distinct riffs. Even more intensive the title track works, a black metallic epic, turning into franticness and finding its way back to the groove. Lights Over Phoenix slows down again but has its twist towards a more progressive and technical approach with some djenty break downs.
He Talked To Me Like I Was Real is cleverly balanced, dynamic and varied. The music is experimental and progressive enough to keep up the thrill all the time and yet harmonious for not sounding too technical and tricky.
Fascinating EP and a much promising new project! I want more!
The interested one can listen and download the EP from the band’s bandcamp-site.