Tomb Mold Members Expand Their Musical Horizons with New Projects

A Creative Exploration

The Toronto death metal band Tomb Mold is branching out artistically, showcasing their versatility in the music scene. Members Derrick Vella and others are involved in the instrumental space-prog emo group Daydream Plus, which recently released the album Second Last Day of Summer. Notably, a chiptune version was also made available just last week.

Exploring various musical genres isn't just a trend but has become a significant cross-pollination tool in today’s musical landscape. For Tomb Mold, the shift toward Daydream Plus signals an interesting tactical move. It plays to the strength of each member's artistic talents, allowing them to shine in different contexts. Daydream Plus taps into influences that diverge quite a bit from the core aesthetic of death metal, integrating elements of emo and spacey textures that appeal to a broader audience. Such genre-blending often creates a more vibrant music scene, attracting fans who might not typically venture into heavier styles.

This isn't particularly uncommon in the heavy metal community, where collaboration across genres helps artists evolve and reach new audiences. Bands like Opeth have successfully traversed various styles, fusing progressive rock with death metal sensibilities, proving to the industry that versatility can be artists' bread and butter. Tomb Mold's members appear to be catching on to that notion, reminding us how fluid genre boundaries are and illustrating the creative licenses artists feel increasingly empowered to exercise.

What’s intriguing about the release of a chiptune version of their album is how it connects two seemingly disparate worlds. Chiptune, often associated with video game music and a nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic, is at odds with the heavy textures typical of death metal. Yet, this exploration could open doors to unexpected collaborations, potentially attracting fans from different backgrounds. It's these types of hybrid projects that often spark discussion about the evolution of musical tastes and how technology influences sound.

New Releases on the Horizon

Meanwhile, Vella, not part of Daydream Plus, is set to return with his duo Dream Unending. This project is known for its unique fusion of guttural death-doom and intricate '80s studio rock. Fans can look forward to an exciting new album that pushes creative boundaries.

Dream Unending's focus stands apart by embracing a niche that hasn't been fully mined yet. The combination of death-doom, with its heavy and oppressive soundscapes, coupled with influences from the melodious and often polished aesthetic of the '80s, feels like a rich territory that has yet to be fully exploited in contemporary metal. The infusion of nostalgia via '80s studio techniques might feel alien to traditional death-doom fans, but it also invites a fascinating dialogue about accessibility in metal. As genres become more hybridized, we may see traditionalists and newcomers interacting in ways that cultivate a richer musical environment.

Many artists find encouragement in merging styles; after all, metal's history is filled with instances of evolution spurred by breaking norms. Bands like Alcest and Deafheaven have successfully merged shoegaze with metal, creating sonic experiences that attract listeners from both camps. However, whether Dream Unending can similarly capture the breadth of a new audience remains to be seen. Yet, the bold approach Vella is taking suggests a confidence that could resonate well with fans longing for novelty.

The post Dream Unending Announce New Album <em>Certain Uncertainties</em>: Hear “Strained Sincerity” appeared first on Stereogum.

Implications for the Music Scene

If you're working in this space, it’s essential to recognize that Tomb Mold's artistic diversification highlights an ongoing trend where genre barriers are becoming increasingly irrelevant. The willingness of musicians to explore different styles not only reflects their individual creativity but may also set the stage for broader changes within the music industry itself. Listeners today are more receptive than ever to cross-genre content, leading to fresh and eclectic playlists that redefine musical consumption.

Moreover, the collaboration between seemingly unrelated genres reflects both the growing presence of DIY music production and the ease with which artists are able to experiment due to affordable technology. You don't need a high-budget studio to merge heavy riffs with synth-driven melodies. Instead, artists can create from their bedrooms, pushing forward a democratization of music production that allows for innovative expressions.

This opens avenues for emerging artists and established names alike. The merging of hip-hop with heavy metal by acts like Lil Uzi Vert, for instance, indicates the ways in which traditional musical forms can adapt when artists embrace their full range of influences. This may disrupt the standard consumption patterns for fans who initially identify with one genre or subculture. The blend could lead to a new archetype of musicality that we haven't fully conceptualized yet, reshaping our understanding of musical identity.

And this is the part most people overlook: experimenting at the intersection of genres can lead to trends that elevate lesser-known styles into the limelight. Tomb Mold and its members could very well pave the way for a multitude of new sounds that might emerge as artists feel encouraged to explore areas previously deemed “off-limits.”

It's not just about releasing a new album; it's about changing what it means to produce music in today's world. The implications are vast, and the audience might not even recognize the shift until they stumble upon a sound that lingers in their memory long after the song ends. As artists like Tomb Mold and Dream Unending take bold steps into uncharted territories, one thing remains clear: the future of music will likely be richer and more varied than ever before.