One With the Riverbed – Succumb

SonikGoat

If Kalamazoo, Michigan, conjures the exoticism implied in the phrase “from Timbuktu to Kalamazoo”, then a band name like that of Kalamazoo natives One With The Riverbed immediately signaled to this writer an expectation for something rooted in the ever-growing Post-Metal genre. My mind went straight to ArcTanGent—that stellar UK festival that curates the best of Post-Metal and Post-Rock. Would Succumb merit the attention of the ATG scouts, a surefire marker of rising prominence for any young band?

Post bands often seem focused on less aural violence and more on sonic spaciousness, creating an atmosphere of reflection and introspection—while keeping things heavy, of course. The imagery conjured by practitioners in this evolving style leans toward the majestic scenes of Mother Nature: skies, forests, mountains, lakes, and the like. This diverges from many Black Metal expressions of wilderness, which typically place an embattled individual amidst vast, untamed landscapes, either in proud defiance or toiling against the elements. In contrast, the Post-Metal vision, as I’ve experienced it, often dissolves the individual entirely, surrendering to the eternal forces that shape the landscape around us. Musically, this concept is often explored with variations on the tension-and-release formula used so effectively by Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Pelican, Mono, Neurosis, and Cult of Luna—a mix of Post-Rock and Post-Metal bands who share substantial common ground. As I approached this album, my second question was whether it would fall into the trap of predictability that can often hinder bands working within a defined style.

I’m happy to report that Succumb is anything but predictable; in fact, One With The Riverbed has infused a striking individuality through sheer songwriting strength. For music that depends on its capacity to guide listeners through peaks and valleys, a key is not to linger too long in any one emotional state. OWTR clearly understands this, introducing sudden tempo changes or fresh riff progressions that feel loyal to each piece as a whole. The vocals stick primarily to a Post-Hardcore scream, though unusually (and refreshingly) for this style, they steer clear of clean vocals, even incorporating a Death Metal-style growl in a couple of tracks. The twin guitars integrate elements of AtmoBlack and Gaze-inspired melodies, pulling back the reverb to achieve a chiming quality that enriches the calmer passages with dreamlike detail. The percussion is bright and crisp (perhaps a bit overly so for my taste), with a martial quality that punctuates the slower sections and accentuates the drama in transitions to faster moments.

This band is a new discovery for me, but its ability to craft enthralling and evocative soundscapes with a fresh blend of Post-Metal, Black Metal, and Post-Hardcore should soon place its name on many people’s lips as we move toward 2025. ArcTanGent—if you’re reading this, take note of Succumb. They would make an excellent addition to next year’s lineup.

Label: Dusktone

Release date: 25 October, 2024

Website: https://www.facebook.com/onewiththeriverbed

Country: USA

Score: A colorful 4.0/5.0