Review: “Position | Momentum” by Calligram

The story goes that two years after the release of the critically acclaimed “The Eye Is The First Circle“, London based multinational quintet Calligram decamped to The Parlour Studios in Kettering to record “Position | Momentum” with Russ Russell (Napalm Death, Dimmu Borgir, At The Gates). The ambition was to create something that would refine their amalgamation of bilious D-beat Punk and ice cold Black Metal, continuing their collective journey down the left hand path while offering something reflective. Rather than something cathartic, the band describe it as a caustic celebration of pain, death and chaos…

Once again “Position | Momentum” finds lyrics inked in blood and delivered in vocalist Matteo Rizzardo’s native Italian, his caustic tones helping to create a sense of impending doom by building an atmosphere of claustrophobia over the duration of the record. That process begins with the artery opening “Sul Dolore” (or “About Pain“), a Black Metal cut of classic Scandinavian stylings with a huge drum sound, a purging of negative energy and a cleansing of the all that surrounds. Barbed and vicious with a swirling dark atmosphere it is harsh and yet has the appeal of a walk in the wilds of nature. “Frantumi In Itinere” increases the intensity with blast beats from Ardo Cotones that soften to an ominous bleak passage of macabre melancholia at the eye of the storm. Building the mountain once more with textured guitar work and incendiary energy, the finale is jaw dropping and monstrously powerful. Perhaps referring to the father of Greek tragic drama “Eschilo” (or “Aeschylus“) begins with an almost cinematic introduction of sinister melody before the blood and thunder of caustic Black Metal takes hold once more. The violent turbulence Calligram conjure isn’t chaotic but akin to a controlled fire, the musicianship allowing enough fuel to be poured to maintain the raging inferno without even letting it spread outside of their realm of existence. Cold and dark, the torcher chamber remains clinical rather than layered in grease, grime and the stench of death that others offer. “Tebe” (or “Thebes“) maybe another reference to ancient Greece, another equally brutal and yet majestic offering that finds the band expressing themselves with Jazz like moments and clever explorations of brooding moods. Entrancing and captivating, the melancholic playfulness within its confines is stunning.

An instrumental with hints at black and white Spaghetti Western scores with aching acoustic guitars and a brass accompaniment, “Per Jamie” (or “For Jamie“) feels like dawns first light as death becomes clearer through bloodshot eyes. A haunting meandering melody, it grips the soul while serving as the introduction piece for “Ostranenie” (or “Strangeness“), which tears a hole in the fabric of space and time, the first half an onslaught of Black Metal that attacks like a pack of Wolves. Enchantingly that fades to black with an almost shoegazing mid section of brass accompaniment that once again touches the void into the avant-garde with Jazz café overtones, Calligram able to bring together two worlds that shouldn’t sit around the same table with sublime musicianship. Rather than letting go however the band pour yet more fuel on the fire, unleashing a hellish finale that echoes the opening tornado with a scalding sense of obliteration. Lead guitars shimmer in the darkness as “Ex-Sistere” (or “Ex-Sister“) plays out, Rizzardo sounding he is in a choke hold from a Boa constrictor. The gang chants are a nice touch, adding to the drama with invention and flair as the ear drums burn with the abrasive qualities of the bands combustible bleak offering. A brooding introduction feels ominous as “Seminario Dieci” (or “Seminar Ten“) takes a vice grip of the mind enslaved before spontaneously bursting into the flame of self immolation after a melodic lull from from a solo burning in breath taking fashion. A slap in the face that awakes from the haze of yesterdays dream, the dull ache replaced by the sight of blood [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Sul Dolore
2. Frantumi In Itinere
3. Eschilo
4. Tebe
5. Per Jamie
6. Ostranenie
7. Ex-Sistere
8. Seminario Dieci

“Position | Momentum” by Calligram is out 14th July 2023 via Prosthetic Records with pre-orders available over at bandcamp.