Albuquerque’s own Distances are set to release “Abstruse,” an album that skillfully balances the weight of post-metal with an atmospheric introspection. Slated for release on January 19, 2024, with pre-orders kicking off on November 17, 2023, this trio promises to take listeners on a sonic journey through life’s tangled contradictions. The album will be available in digital, CD, and vinyl formats, catering to a diverse range of audiophiles.
Consisting of Karl Deuble on vocals and guitar, Kris Schiffer on bass, and Peter Hague on drums, Distances crafts a sound that will resonate with fans of Gojira, ISIS, Russian Circles, Cult Of Luna, Conjurer, and Cult Leader. Their music is a thoughtful exploration, diving headlong into themes of hypocrisy, obscurity, and the contradictions of life.
“Abstruse” serves as an emotional expedition. The band expertly navigates through melancholic and contemplative valleys, only to ascend into towering, crushing mountainous passages. Their sound is a testament to their ability to blend crushing sonics with heavy themes, offering depth for those willing to dig deeper.
The band’s commentary on the current socio-political climate is both profound and timely.
They reflect on the generational divide and the heightened polarization post-pandemic, touching on the complex interplay between free speech and its darker underbelly.
“TWO THIRTY,” a notable track, delves into these themes with incisive clarity.
The band comments, “To the current generation, things are always the worst it’s ever been. Never been more crime, poverty, greed, and violence, even though, in a lot of those cases, statistics can show otherwise. But, for all the ‘back in my day’ Boomerisms, there definitely seemed to be a polarization that came from the pandemic, with some hard lines being drawn and assholes popping out of the woodwork.”
They also address the misuse of free speech, highlighting the paradox of Section 230, which, while protecting online discourse, also shelters hate speech in various digital echo chambers.
Distances doesn’t shy away from confronting the harsh realities of the internet age, where extremism can find a haven in the darkest corners of chat rooms and social media.
“Genocide has a happy home in the right chat room. Let’s hope the LOLs don’t spill over IRL,” they add, providing a poignant reminder of the potential real-world implications of online rhetoric.
“Abstruse” by Distances is a bold commentary on the complexities of modern life, wrapped in a package of post-metal mastery.
