Album Review: P+A+G+E+S – No More Can Be Done (Self Released)

P+A+G+E+S (FKA ‘Morning Pages’ from 2014 – 2019) is a South African doom, atmospheric noise, drone and sludge post-metal trio. On October 25th, they will release their debut album ‘No More Can Be Done’.

Nihilism at its most uncompromising, and nihilism that comes with a highly experimental touch. The trio that is P+A+G+E+S are a damn near indescribable bunch, and defy all genre logic across five (four if you pick up the vinyl version) expressive, intense, and elaborate efforts. It’s not that it’s heavy, after all, heavy albums aren’t exactly in short supply, it’s that it embraces misery while exploring the reasons behind it. The world is not in a good place, and day by day, we seem to be careening towards even darker times. Yes, it’s a nihilistic way to think, but it is reality, and that is what P+A+G+E+S explore.

All through a sound that is highly experimental, challenging, and (at times), abrasive and ugly. Combining the soul sucking intensity of sludge, the overbearing darkness of doom, the heart-wrenching aspects of post metal, the hypnotic effects of drone, and the coarseness of noise into something truly unique. Something that is on display from the start with the unleashing of The Passage, fifteen-plus minutes of what can only be described as a descent into hell. Not the fire and brimstone kind either, but the hell where there’s nothing but suffocating darkness and the mind is quickly lost to madness.

P+A+G+E+S have a unique sound, and with that comes polarising aspects that even an overall hypnotic listen can’t hide. This combination of sounds, the experimental dourness, and the vast way they are showcased is as off-putting as it is fascinating. If you want rhythm, groove, catchiness a chorus, etc, you’re well and truly looking in the wrong place. Although you will also find yourself pleasantly surprised by some of the creative moments that crop up here and there. Just listen to Ascension to understand what I mean, but don’t you dare ignore Shine On or Moribund either.

Don’t like it? That’s fine, it just means P+A+G+E+S isn’t for you, but that is your loss as their destructive viewpoint is one that many will share and enjoy wallowing in. You don’t have to like the fact that it’s reality biting, but you do have to accept it. That is why it’s easier than you think to relate to this record. P+A+G+E+S wanted to make an impact here, and they’re done that wholeheartedly.

P+A+G+E+S – No More Can Be Done Track Listing:

1. The Passage
2. Ascension
3. Devastation Junkie (Bonus Track)
4. Shine On
5. Moribund

Links

LinkTree | Bandcamp | Instagram