Review: Lord Dying Continue the Saga on Clandestine Transcendence

Sludge heavyweights Lord Dying keep the Portland tradition alive and well on their latest offering, Clandestine Transcendence, out via MNRK Heavy.

The band first dropped music back in 2011, and though they’ve been making music since the early 2010s, there is no doubt that they’ve kept it as heavy and fresh as ever on this recent record..

On Clandestine Transcendence, Erik Olson (guitar, vocals) and Chris Evans (guitar), Alyssa Mocere (former bassist for Eight Bells), and Kevin Swartz (current drummer of Tithe) come together to make a heavy and fresh record. Produced by Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou (High On Fire, Code Orange, Kvelertak) at his God City Studios, the record definitely has a professional touch.

Mysterium Tremendum (Latin for “awe-inspiring mystery” or “terrible mystery”) was the record that kicked off the story currently being told on this record. The album is centered on a central character the band calls The Dreamer, a character that takes us through the album on a journey that looks into what happens after death.

The story is expanded throughout the record with in-depth looks at the main character and what he encounters. The tension in both lyrics and musical balance in “The Universe Is Weeping” is a great way to kick off the record, and it really leans into the sludginess and darkness of the album. “Unto Becoming” is my favorite song from the record, as the sweeping choruses and memorable, almost melodic elements elevate the record to new heights.

“A Brief Return To Physical Form” is noteworthy for the heavy elements that interplay together and the old-school, almost late-90s sludge sound. “Swimming In The Absence” is one of the saddest, most lamenting song on the record and one that will haunt you and bring you back to the record again and again.

Overall, Clandestine Transcendence is heavy on the hooks and strong writing despite being heavy, doomy, dissonant, and taking on some pretty epic and massive themes. It manages to paint a huge and literary picture while also staying catchy and relevant, which isn’t an easy thing to do. We can’t wait to see them tour on this record.

Lord Dying’s Clandestine Transcendence releases this Friday, January 19 via MNRK Heavy. You can preorder your copy today.