Album review - Full Of Hell & Nothing - When No Birds Sang

“When No Birds Sang” is a collaborative album by Full Of Hell and Nothing that reaches into the depths of existential dread, intertwining the seemingly disparate genres of grindcore and shoegaze into a haunting yet beautiful tapestry. This album, symbolically divided into ‘North’ and ‘South’ sides, evokes a journey through contrasting emotional landscapes.

The album opens with “Rose Tinted World,” a track that immediately submerges the listener into Full Of Hell’s signature intensity. The song begins with an apocalyptic fervour, characterized by Walker’s growling vocals and the band’s heavy instrumentation. However, it’s not merely an onslaught of sound; there’s a calculated bleakness, a controlled chaos that sets the tone for the rest of the album.

“Like Stars In The Firmament” marks a shift towards Nothing’s realm. This track drifts into an ethereal soundscape, providing a counterpoint to the album’s opening ferocity. Palermo’s sighing vocals float over ambient guitar work, creating a sense of post-apocalyptic serenity. It’s a hauntingly beautiful piece that contrasts starkly with the album’s beginning, demonstrating the fluidity and versatility of this collaboration.

“Forever Well” and “Wild Blue” further showcase the synergy between the two bands. In “Forever Well,” the listener encounters a blend of atmospheric synths and heavy, growling vocals, creating a sinister symphony that’s both disturbing and mesmerizing. “Wild Blue” takes a different path, offering a moment of respite with its ambient, instrumental nature. It’s a soothing interlude in an album characterized by its intensity.

The title track, “When No Birds Sang,” is a poignant culmination of the album’s themes. It begins with a sense of warmth and comfort but gradually introduces elements of unease. The vocals, both clean and screamed, intertwine to create a tapestry of sound that’s both beautiful and unsettling. The track embodies the existential dread at the heart of the album, encapsulating the feeling of being on the precipice of oblivion.

The album concludes with “Spend The Grace,” a track that echoes the intensity of “Rose Tinted World” but with an added layer of melancholy. The song builds slowly, with haunting vocals and heavy instrumentals that crescendo into a powerful finale. It’s a fitting end to an album that navigates the extremes of human emotion.

Throughout, Full Of Hell and Nothing demonstrate an uncanny ability to balance their distinct sounds. The album oscillates between moments of intense aggression and serene beauty, often blurring the lines between the two. The production by Will Putney enhances this dichotomy, ensuring that each element, whether a scream, a guitar riff, or a synth line, is given space to breathe and impact the listener.

In essence, “When No Birds Sang” is a remarkable fusion of two distinct musical worlds. It’s an exploration of the beauty that can be found in darkness, and the darkness that lurks in beauty. The album is a journey through the human psyche, confronting listeners with the harsh realities of life while offering moments of respite and reflection. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and the endless possibilities that arise when artists step outside their comfort zones to create something truly unique.

When No Birds Sang, track listing: