CALLIGRAM has today released their sophomore album, Position | Momentum, via Prosthetic Records. The London, UK based multinational band’s second full-length sees the black metal group celebrate the chaos of existence across eight songs, with CALLIGRAM currently on tour across the UK – info on all remaining dates below.
LISTEN TO POSITION | MOMENTUM BELOW.
Stream Position | Momentum via Apple Music | TIDAL | Deezer | Bandcamp and Spotify
Order Position | Momentum here.
Speaking on Position | Momentum‘s release, CALLIGRAM comments: “Position | Momentum is a concept that comes from quantum physics: it basically says that when studying a particle you can’t know its position and its momentum (its impetus) at the same time. It’s strongly related to the idea of chaos/uncertainty and to the Heisenberg theory and it conveys very well our intentions of exploring the unpredictability of life and the full blown chaos that lies underneath the existence which is what this album is about.
“Despite being our darkest and heaviest work it’s not a pessimistic album: Position | Momentum is a celebration: we are honouring and embracing darkness and chaos as part of existence.”
Joy can be found in the most unlikely of places. A listen through CALLIGRAM’s latest offering may not instantly conjure up feelings of immediate joy, but rest assured – between the blistering howls and blackened riffs, there is much to celebrate.
Position | Momentum saw the group decamp to The Parlour Studios in Kettering to record with Russ Russell (NAPALM DEATH, DIMMU BORGIR, AT THE GATES) during the summer of 2022. The follow up to 2020’s The Eye Is The First Circle doesn’t ease up on intensity; if anything, giving the chaos a little more room to breathe has shaped CALLIGRAM into something even more formidable than before.
Sonically, the band has further refined their amalgamation of bilious D-beat punk and ice cold black metal. The results are as abrasive as one would hope, but ceding space to atmospheric passages helps create a claustrophobic, ominous ambience to proceedings; allowing some light in only serves to accentuate the darkness further.
Once again vocals are delivered in Matteo Rizzardo’s native Italian – and even those who don’t speak the language should soon pick up the jist of his missives. Tales of pain, chaos, struggle and anxiety are poured into each anguished scream, a growing sense of combustibility becomes palpable as the album progresses. But Rizzardo is keen to clarify that Position | Momentum is not about catharsis through music: this is not his therapy.
The hardest work for Rizzardo was done away from the band as he walked along a path of acceptance and self-analysis. As the burdens on his shoulders grew heavier and the darkness became all-consuming he set out to understand, embrace and reclaim the darkest parts of himself. Position | Momentum documents his feelings looking back at troubled times – with clarity, acceptance, and yes – joy. Reflecting on his experiences with some emotional distance meant that the lyrics came easily; Rizzardo describes them as ‘flying out’ – a purging of sorts.
Music is often seen as medicine; a balm to soothe what ails you. With no intention to use Position | Momentum as a crutch, CALLIGRAM has crafted the opposite – a caustic celebration of pain, death and chaos.
Praise for Position | Momentum:
“…when Calligram go full pelt, they’re terrifyingly intense.” – Metal Hammer (UK), June ’23
“…a multinational effort in excellent, haunting, blackened metal.” – Stereogum
“…Position | Momentum remains consistently arresting – and that it leaves a lasting impact.” – Distorted Sound
“…enjoy comprehending your place in the universe while blast beats and howling vocals bounce off your eardrums.” – Revolver
“Position | Momentum is a well thought-out work full of beautiful pain for long distances.” – Metal Hammer DE
“…the three years between the debut and Position | Momentum have paid off.” – Metal Italia
Position | Momentum tracklist:
- Sul Dolore
- Frantumi In Itinere
- Eschilo
- Tebe
- Per Jamie
- Ostranenie
- Ex-Sistere
- Seminario Dieci
CALLIGRAM is:
Matteo Rizzardo – vocals
Ardo Cotones – drums / vocals
Bruno Cambiaghi – guitar
Tim Desbos – guitar
Smittens – bass
Connect with CALLIGRAM:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/calligram/947917033
https://calligram.bandcamp.com/album/position-momentum
https://www.facebook.com/calligrammusic/
https://www.instagram.com/calligram_uk/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5wtqfr0wbjrftmr2hjufa1
Upcoming CALLIGRAM tour dates:
14 July – Corporation – Sheffield, UK
15 July – Crofters Rights – Bristol, UK
16 July – Green Door Store – Brighton, UK
28 July – Castle Tavern – Luton, UK
29 July – Reaper Festival – Hairy Dog – Derby, UK
30 July – The Anvil – Bournemouth, UK
17 August – Frantic Festival – Italy
