EP Review: Marea – Adrift (Masked Dead Records)

A year on from the alluring desolation of debut album, ‘The Silence of Rust’, Matteo Balzarini has returned with a second offering from his atmospheric, emotive post black/doom creation, Marea. Called ‘Adrift’, the new EP will be released on May 9th, 2025, via Masked Dead Records.

Beauty in morose form, with epic twists and enigmatic turns, Marea’s The Silence of Rust was a very special release, and Adrift keeps the momentum going with another three slices of vibrant and intense beauty. Rising above conventional genre placements, but blending familiar elements like post, black, and doom with deep levels of imagination.

It’s not hyperbole to call Marea a bit of a revelation, as only an artist as creative as Marea could evolve a track like Rusted in the way it does. You won’t quite be able to believe your ears as a starry and dramatic first half transforms into something with extreme tones. The heaviness is upped, it becomes rawer, and the vocals howl. What a spectacular track.

It is joined by two more, the first of which, Useless, has a peppier start but begins to slowly, and effectively descend into dark and doomy depths. Showcasing a more twisted intensity to both the instruments and the vocals. Whereas the self-titled finale is a glorious epic (and not just because of its eight-minute length) with the prettiest of melodies, progressive instrumentation, and elements of blackgaze. That’s Marea for you though, a truly unique experience, exemplified by an EP that gives you so much if you’re willing to give it the time it needs to permeate the mind, body, and soul.

Marea – Adrift Track Listing:

1. Rusted
2. Useless
3. Marea

Links

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