Dawnwalker are a collective of musicians based in London, England and led by songwriter Mark Norgate. Their music blends heavy rock and metal with more experimental styles. There are no two of their records which sound quite the same, but always feature a revolving cast of musicians who join forces to create something heavy, atmospheric and enigmatic.
Album cover for “House of Sand”
“House of Sand” marks a significant change away from the post and folk metal influences of Dawnwalker’s last LP “Ages” for something darker and more difficult to pin down. As pictured on Mitchell Nolte’s cover painting, the album is set against a backdrop of idyllic suburbs and the darkness that may be lurking beneath.
References abound to the darker side of the human psyche and a spiritual malaise (the “demon of noontide”) which once contracted gradually destroys all in its path.
Musically, there are touchstones from across the British indie and progressive rock canon – Pink Floyd, Radiohead and Mansun’s 1998 prog opera “Six” to name a few – but these influences are blended with a modern heavy sensibility to create a unique sound all of its own. It might be thought of as something akin to the lovechild of Opeth and Kate Bush.
At 43 minutes, it is Dawnwalker’s shortest LP by some distance, but each of these thirteen songs is packed to the brim with inventive ideas which belie their length.
Together with Joe Clayton of No Studio, they wanted to get away from the overproduced sound of modern metal and computer-generated artifice. As such, no click tracks or synthesized instruments were used at all on the album. Instead, an ensemble of eight musicians wielding acoustic guitars, piano, violins and four vocalist performed whole takes live in the room, choosing to make a feature of their imperfections rather than airbrush them away. The end result is Dawnwalker’s darkest but most human and affecting album to date.
You can listen to more material from their upcoming album by visiting their Youtube and other social media.
Dawnwalker Official Site Facebook Youtube Instagram Bandcamp Twitter
Dawnwalker:
Chris J. Allan – Drums
Matteo Bianciotto – Guitars, Vocals
Dane Cross – Vocals
Mina Jackson – Piano
Robin Melinda Koob – Violin
Mark Norgate – Vocals, Guitars
Roisin O’Toole – Vocals
and featuring Alastair Mitchell as “The Master”
