SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: CROWN LANDS – APOCALYPSE

CROWN LANDS
APOCALYPSE
CENTURY MEDIA

Following a pair of experimental interludes released last year – Ritual I & II – Canadian progressive rock duo, Crown Lands, has returned. For their third studio record, and their first full album since 2023’s Fearless, Apocalypse sees the band double down on their progressive sound with a thrilling record rooted is ‘70s rock and a sci-fi fantasy narrative.

Apocalypse opens with the instrumental prelude that is “Proclamation I.” The Symphonic track is lead by an array of synths and a choir of voices, introducing a sense of grandeur while stoking a building sense of anticipation before a crisp electric guitar cuts through the soundscape with the riff that introduces the following song, “Foot Soldier of the Syndicate.” Instrumentally, the track is grounded in ‘70s rock, accented by a catchy chorus and an incredibly powerful vocal delivery from Cody Bowles. Between Bowles’ howls and Kevin Comeau’s stirring guitar work and masterful production, Crown Lands sounds fantastic as they weave through shifting passages with ease.

SPILL FEATURE: APOCALYPSE – A CONVERSATION WITH CROWN LANDS’ KEVIN COMEAU & CODY BOWLES

As the remaining five tracks push forward, Crown Lands continue to flex their musicianship and songwriting. From the Zeppelin inspired classic rock of “Through the Looking Glass,” a song that feels like the spiritual successor of “Lady Of The Lake,” to the thunderous pulse of “The Fall,” and the lush balladry of “The Revenants I,” Apocalypse is propelled forward by a versatile collection of music that builds upon the sounds the band has established over the last decade. While without a weak moment, the definite climax of the album comes from the lead single and closing track, “Apocalypse.” The song feels akin to what the band achieved in 2023 with “Starlifter: Fearless Pt. II,” but entirely different. There is an attack to Bowles’ drums that feels relentless and Comeau’s tones are especially remarkable here. Thematically, the title track connects Apocalypse to Fearless as a part of a greater science-fantasy odyssey through musical motifs, signifying a greater level of intention and vision. Narratives aside, “Apocalypse” is a challenging piece that sees Crown Lands push their writing and performance to the limits through a near 20-min gauntlet consisting of numerous movements and significant shifts as Comeau and Bowles plot the course of their ship, both musically and thematically, into the unknown.

As Crown Lands return from the ambiance of Ritual, they have fully embraced their ‘70s rock and progressive influences. Apocalypse is an album rich in world building and storytelling while supported by an ever-ambitious approach to songwriting. As a result, Apocalypse is a thrilling record that slowly reveals more of itself with each listen. With their third full-length studio album, Crown Lands continue to prove their worth as a leading figure among progressive rock as they weave together a greater sonic universe with Apocalypse serving as a bridge between the themes of Ritual and the story of Fearless, demonstrating the boundless nature of their ambition and artistry.

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