Dreadnought’s third release expands on the Denver act’s obsession with the earth’s four elements (earth, air, water, fire), as each record thus far has thematically enveloped and engulfed itself around a particular one. A Wake In Sacred Waves, unsurprisingly, tackles water, and this element perfectly suits the group’s multi-faceted and dense progressive style. Dreadnought take influence from a fairly insane host of styles: prog, black, folk, post-metal, jazz, doom, and psych, to name the most obvious touchstones. However, instead of cramming them all in a haphazard fashion, A Wake In Sacred Waves immerses this host of disparate elements into something majestic and elegiac. While the group’s current sonic iteration is wholly unique, the mix of crushing post-metal and haunting folky atmospheric black metal recalls a mystical mix of The Ocean’s Pelagial and Wolves In The Throne Room’s Thrice Woven, if only with a greater emphasis on flute and piano.
The record contrasts itself nicely with another famously dihydrogen-monoxide-centric concept record: Thrice’s The Alchemy Index. While their take on water is wistful and effervescent, Dreadnought embrace the entirety of the depths of the ocean, not just the feeling of floating on water (though that’s certainly present). Thrashing currents (blackened flourishes), calmly flowing whitecaps (jazzy post-rock), and the rollicking and deadly undertow (doom) play around together amicably on the record. Just like that first jump into cold water is a bit jarring, the album starts with a jolt, signifying that the listener is in for one wild ride.
Sure, a four-song 53-minute album is quite challenging for many on paper, but Dreadnought’s latest is rather alluring in its mix of styles and songwriting prowess. Songs themselves occasionally feel a tad aimless, but this works to the theme of water quite well: water goes where it will, not necessarily where it wants to. It’s often impacted by outside forces as much as it is by its repeated currents and flow. A Wake In Sacred Waves is a special record that is absolutely worth the ride. Grab a scuba mask or grow some gills and strap in for a wonderful watery ride.
