Alluvium: heavy prog trio Initial Mass comes back!

Los Angeles-based heavy prog rock trio Initial Mass release their new album Alluvium with the Italian post-progressive label Luminol Records.

The band’s fourth LP consists of 13 songs that explore strikingly diverse sonic territories across an evolving conceptual soundscape. Simply put, this is Initial Mass doing what they do best. The follow-up to 2019’s anthemic alt-rocker, Bending Light, manifests as some of the most intricate, calculated and cohesive compositions from the group thus far.

Alluvium is a concept album, portraying the life of one individual as a metaphor for the rise and fall of humankind. The main character starts his journey, young and ambitious, excited for his chance to make his mark. Quickly, he becomes more intent on his desire to take what he wants from the world. As he grows more powerful, he refutes the warnings of nature’s conscience. Leaving a trail of destruction in his wake, he finds himself isolated in world that can no longer sustain life.

The first single, the aptly titled Wake, is clear indication of what this album has in store. Vocalist/guitarist Mark Baldwin comments: «This song not only captures just about every mood and texture of the album, it’s also a culmination of everything we’ve done as a band so far musically. It’s a song that really pushed us further as a musical unit». «Lyrically, Wake is one of the keystone points in the concept overall, where the central character reaches his apex while being surrounded by the chaos and endless possibilities that big cities tend to inspire. This is the point in the story where everything changes».

Alluvium was recorded and mixed by Ron Sandoval at Rev Studios, who also co-produced along with the band. Mastering was handled by Andrew Alekel.