Rosetta Bring A Big Sound In "Utopioid"

Post-metal can be an epic thing. As can progressive metal. Bring them together, and you can make something really incredible. Rosetta don't quite reach a masterful perfection of this combination, but they do set a foundation that makes for a fantastic combination. Rosetta bring a big sound in Utopioid that doesn't quite reach the level it could, but does well for itself.

Post-metal is perhaps most renowned for its atmospheric nature. Faraway chords burn out to make things creepy and cavernous. Every moment feels like you're being swallowed into some darkness that you can't break free from. Guttural screams and dramatic drums help satisfy that even more, adding drama and intensity to every track from the relaxing, beautiful intro of 'Aminom' to the dark melodies of 'Détente.'

There is never a definitive point at which Utopioid really finds the perfect blend of darkness and progressiveness. They experiment constantly but it comes at a price of never quite reaching that final stage. It's really not until the closing track 'Intramortem' that everything comes together perfectly. A rugged, almost horrifying feeling comes over you in the track, its slow, wallowing sound putting you in that place between life and death. Rosetta tries a lot of things to achieve a great mix, including a more aggressive drive on 'King Ivory Tower' and the slow build of 'Intrapartum,' but its never fully realized until the final track.

Rosetta brings a big sound in Utopioid, and even though its full potential isn't reached until the very end, there's still a powerful idea at play here. It's a fantastic blend that can really do something magical in the future. Whether it's Rosetta making it happen or another band that pops onto the scene, this is an idea that can go very far.

Favorite Track: Intramortem

Least Favorite Track: 54543

Rating: 73 / 100