Holding Absence - ‘The Noble Art of Self Destruction’ review
Welsh Melodic-Post-hardcore outfit Holding Absence have today released their highly anticipated third album, The Noble Art Of Self Destruction. Known for their iconic sound of anthemic, larger than life choruses and ambient atmospheres, the new LP brings 10 tracks with a solid variation between gentle and gigantic tunes with a hint of heaviness sprinkled in the mix.
If you’ve been following along the Holding Absence news this year, you’ll know that already before today’s LP release, nearly half the album has already been released as singles, the first being the flagship song, “A Crooked Melody” which came out 6 April. It hooked our interest with its insanely catchy chorus and a brief but spicy head-banging section at the very end.
“False Dawn”, a more pop-rock style number, was released shortly after with two teaser tracks following it. “Honey Moon” is a softer song to sway to definitely written for the romantics with its uplifting melody and heartfelt imagery.
“Scissors” however, the last single release, takes a very different approach, using unsettling ambience and stabby chords to bring out your inner angst completed with a fitting breakdown section with the repeated line, ‘I’m sick of myself’.
I was fortunate enough to be given early access to the remaining six unreleased numbers and I’m pleased to say none of them felt like a flop. Each track is catchy, energetic and pays homage to Holding Absence’s musical style.
“Her Wings” deserves its own honourable mention for its impeccable ascending transition into its chorus and explosive bridge. “Liminal” takes a more pop-punk approach. I could hear traces of Knuckle Puck in its key riff.
The closing track “The Angel In The Marble” takes use of a different time signature which brings a refreshing new level to their songwriting ability and pays off well with the emotive atmosphere it creates. Unfortunately, the song has this choral chant that repeats until close to finish the album, it feels like it's building towards a huge cathartic release of euphoria and left me unfulfilled when it fell silent without it. “Death, Nonetheless” also does something similar. They are still enjoyable songs, but felt lacking in that regard.
Overall, this LP is an enjoyable and fun addition to Holding Absence’s discography and will be met with a good reception. Fan’s of their signature sound will find some new favourite songs and will scream the lyrics at the live shows. The only thing I struggle to shake is the feeling that I found it hard to remember a great deal of the songs. To me, they did feel like 10 more typical Holding Absence songs with not much new being brought to the table to stand out. There were some light notes of experimenting, but I’d encourage Lucas, Scott, Ashley and Benjamin to be bolder with expanding their sound to see what else they are capable of. They are absolutely a talented band, one of my favourites in the genre and I’m excited for what their future brings.
The Noble Art Of Self Destruction from Holding Absence is out now via Sharptone Records.