ALBUM REVIEW: Chelsea Wolfe - "Hiss Spun"

By: Joosep Nilk

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 22/09/2017

Label: Sargent House

Whereas “Abyss” and its predecessor were largely paving way for new sounds, the cohesiveness of her latest album is a sure attribute of Wolfe´s singular vision finally realized. More self-aware and self-assured in her vulnerability than ever, with the band in intimate tow, “Hiss Spun” indeed feels much like a logical continuation.

“Hiss Spun“CD/DD/LP Track Listing

1. Spun

2. 16 Psyche

3. Vex

4. Strain

5. The Culling

6. Particle Flux

7. Twin Fawn

8. Offering

9. Static Hum

10. Welt

11. Two Spirit

12. Scrape

The Review:

As if with spill-overs from the amp-heavy “Abyss”, Chelsea Wolfe's latest album makes first bet on immediacy. Having shed light on some of her influences in interviews, the Earth-inspired riffs open up bold and distorted, with brazen guitar strangulations following foot, that come off as an immediately familiar theme from previous works.

Similarly, on the lamenting ’Two Spirit’ she sounds a lot like herself on a developed version of ’Reins’ off “Pain Is Beauty”, losing herself in a ghastly yet enchanting drift of a lull. Elsewhere she reprises herself on a piano-driven -interlude, which along the pensive unravelling of other delicate tracks do well to form together one somber storyline. Even the build on 'Static Hum' that comes off initially radiant soon turns into a reiteration of the song title, like an analogy to repeating the same mistakes, until it all swells and fades into but a faint whisper.

It’s not all dire hopelessness though. A few interludes soften the blows, with the odd electronic track 'The Offering' dribbled in there, rightly deserving of the title given. Even though she doesn’t forego her pop sensiblites entirely, ’Static Hum’ and first single ’16 Psyche’ being the obvious examples, it makes the anguish only slightly easier to digest.  The use of repetition on the prior feels like it might perhaps wear out after a few dozen listens, whereas the latter’s on the contrary returns each time for more addictive effect, highly fitting after all, as the lyrics are spent dissecting promiscuity and codependence. On this track and the following 'Vex' Chelsea Wolfe blends into the reverb-soaked background, as if taking a step back to detach from the situation. Alongside her as if with sword and shield, Troy Van Leeuwen and Aaron Turner (Isis, Sumac) take center stage, (with guitar and voice, respectively) and the harshest blows are struck.

Separated only by the dramatic 'Particle Flux' the definite highlights are the pairing tracks of ’Twin Fawn’ and ’The Culling’. The prior’s blissful melodies just staying long enough to elicit a false sense of security, then take a turn for the nightmarish as Wolfe’svoice looms increasingly ominous, with the reprehension of the latter growing to be near unfathomable. This same approach is used to even greater effect to the sweetness of ’Two Spirit’, which is offset by the screechingly beautiful atmosphere setting in almost immediately after. All of it cements the notion that exposing oneself in such vulnerable manner doesn't happen without bearing teeth in the process. This sentiment is driven home by the severe closer where she finally delivers the callous truth of the matter.

It’s here by the end of the album that one truly acquires another appreciation for Wolfe's whole array of vocal abilities. Still caught in some of the circumstance, she comes across more embracing of the direness. At once bewitching and punishing then straight into wallowing in hallowed misery. Having culminated in a cacophony sounding like the upheaval of quite a few stubborn and crooked roots, she spins the album title around a myriad of near-senseless words at the close of 'The Culling', as if barely scraping herself together to make sense of it all.

Whereas “Abyss”and its predecessor were largely paving way for new sounds, the cohesiveness of her latest album is a sure attribute of Wolfe´s singular vision finally realized. More self-aware and self-assured in her vulnerability than ever, with the band in intimate tow, “Hiss Spun” indeed feels much like a logical continuation. Beginning with “Pains Is Beauty” it could very well be seen as the end of a cycle of albums, with both her power-electronic and riff-minded sides more developed. It comes together as one heart-wrenching journey into the heart of self-acceptance, all the harsh discoveries it entails. As she reminds herself (and the listener) in barely distinguishable whispers on the second track, the way out is through.

“Hiss Spun” is available here

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