I already reviewed “The Clearing” way back when it was released on vinyl.  If you want to learn more about that one then check out that review. What I want to talk about in this review is the second part of this two CD epic called “The Final Epoch.” By the way, if you’re like me and you already picked up “The Clearing” before, it’s totally worth it to snag this set just for “The Final Epoch” alone.
This five track collection puts together one of their droniest releases yet. The best way to talk about it is post-apocalyptic. Each track has smooth minimalistic reverbs and resonances that seem to emulate a different effect that might follow a final nuclear blast to end everything. Only the cockroaches would be left to hear the din and buzzes of the aftermath.  However, Locrian gives us homo sapiens the chance to hear what the peaceful death and decay of the earth’s “final epoch” might sound like. Some of the track titles even make you think along these lines. Examples include: “Omega Vapors,” “Falling Towers,” and “After the Torchlight.” This is a bit more post-rock overall in its approach and a little less avant-metal than their previous releases, in my opinion. I mostly say that because it doesn’t have as much of an edge, which makes sense since this is more of a calm-after-the-storm approach.
Now, I want to reassure all of you who are like how I was. With the title “The Final Epoch,” I was afraid that this was their final release. However, one of the members of the band consoled me that more releases were planned. Phew! Locrian is one of those sure-to-be legends that demand to have a long catalog of releases.
“The Clearing & The Final Epoch” come housed in a beautiful gatefold double LP style CD wallet. Allover art continues the theme of what we saw on “The Clearing.” A must-have for any fan.
