TARLUNG – Axis Mundi

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7.0

• Bands:
  TARLUNG
• Duration: 00:38:43
• Available from: 01/30/2026
• Label:

• Argonauta Records

Tarlung's artistic journey certainly does not begin with the newcomer “Axis Mundi”: the genesis of the Viennese band dates back to 2013, thirteen long years filled to date with three full-length albums and some minor releases which have allowed them to refine their pachydermal style until the latest release, published by our local Argonauta Records and the maximum expression, at least until today, of their musical concept made up of grainy distortions, heavy tempos and massive incursions into the arid territories of sludge and doom metal.
Broadly assimilable to the family of 'slow music' par excellence, ours however exploit the eight tracks of their latest effort to decline this generic definition towards diversified shores, not necessarily attributable to the more radical extremities that the aforementioned genres have experienced in past years.

The vibrant and circular tension of “Static Noise” would seem to indicate a path destined to worsen, but already “The Valley Of Nowhere”, with its soft introduction, or the post-grunge drifts of “Burning Out” seem to show instead a more placid, almost delicate nature, on which the musical construct of the entire “Axis Mundi” is based.
From here on, each piece presents decidedly melodic and very accessible sections, destined to become more threatening as the songs progress but without ever reaching heights of exasperation comparable to an extreme concept. In a calm manner, Tarlung rather aims to construct solid songs – memorable, in some ways – capable of always maintaining a gradual and unforced approach to composition.
This is demonstrated for example by the relaxed lines of “Swans”, aggressive but not too much, or even more so by the delicate turns of “Full Circle”, once again close to a slightly melancholic conception that is more reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins than Weedeater or EyeHateGod, to give a few examples.
More rocky and with a more decisive style are instead “Between Earth And Moon” and “Axis Mundi”, a closing of character on which the deep and shaking growl of the guitarist/singer Philipp Seiler finally finds its ideal space, perhaps a bit exaggerated in style due to the soft character possessed by the other songs.

Overall, the band's more than ten-year experience manifests itself in mature, reasoned writing, which, despite no particular twists or plot twists, manages to develop a disenchanted and occasionally sharp aura that can be listened to several times without showing excessive signs of tiredness or repetition.
A more risky development of the dreamy parts could perhaps have added character to the entire work of “Axis Mundi”, but the slight hints of tenderness shown are enough to create an interesting chiaroscuro with the more cadenced parts according to a harmonious balance that leaves no tangible scars, but capable of moving the mind towards thoughts and visions of a broad and reflective nature.