Album Review: Nealix – Destinations (Self Released)

Nealix is the solo project of guitarist Chris Neal from post-rock/metal band Solars. On December 10th, 2021 he will release his debut album of the project entitled Destinations. An instrumental story around the 5 stages of grief.

A concept/theme that really excites. Under the Solars banner, Chris has proven to be a master of his craft and this solo album further solidifies the man’s talents.

Beginning with heartfelt and moving instrumental power of Overture. It’s an introduction to the album’s unique ability to make you feel weightless and weighty at the same time. Melodious cold supremacy with punchy, heavier rhythms. It’s a fantastic start.

The 5 stages then begin with a familiar experience for many… Denial. Here, you can sense the wandering disbelief as the echoing and eerie post-infused melody acts as a comfort blanket. Before harder and heavier hits of metal riffs and drums bring you sharply back to reality. Deny what you know to be true all you want, Nealix’s has the music to remind you that you’re lying to yourself.

The expectation is that Anger will be the heaviest track on the album and that is true but the initial guitar melody is just beautiful. It’s stuff like this that reminds you of how good post-rock and metal can be in the right hands. Aside from that… wow, this is an intense effort but one with some freaky groove to it. It sounds frustrated, the harsh reality of grief slamming into a person’s ability to lash out at all those around them.

Let it pass, it’s just another stage of hell on the road to redemption. Though, up next is arguably the most humiliating one of all… Bargaining. Nealix portraying this with a rising urgency that explodes into fast-paced desperation and is layered with post-rock pleas.

Of course, we all know what comes next. Even if you don’t read the track titles.

How do you portray a stage of grief that is simply unfathomable to those who have never experienced it? By reaching deep into the post-rock bag of tracks, keeping things mellow but allowing the sense that a person can triumph over this feeling to slowly take over. It will pass, it can be beaten and it’s just a part of the journey. It’s a stunning track and don’t be surprised if a tear or two is shed.

Finally; with more upbeat melody, foot-tapping riffs, defiant heaviness and speed, Acceptance is reached. A chunky finish with some of the sharpest instrumentation going. We have a thrilling blend of fiery metal and post-beauty to wrap up a last-minute album of the year contender.

Bravo, Nealix.

Nealix – Destinations Full Track Listing:

1. Overture
2. Denial
3. Anger
4. Bargaining
5. Depression
6. Acceptance

Links

Bandcamp