The shamanic art metal outfit from Mumbai, Serpents of Pakhangba has unleashed their second studio album, Air and Fire, a sprawling 13-track concept album that bridges elemental forces, mythology, and visceral musicality. If their debut album hinted at their potential, Air and Fire is a fully realised work of art- a genre-defying exploration of sound, story, and spirit.
The Act of Storytelling
What’s the first thing that pops up in your mind when you think of a concept album? A story, right? And that’s exactly what Air and Fire delivers. With Hinoki’s eloquent and expressive way of narration, the album comes alive and takes you on a journey that not only promises thrill but an onset of a discovery that transcends boundaries making you hooked to what’s coming next. Take for example, the tracks Divine Tree, Ancient Forest, Carnivorous, Wings, and Air and Fire (Part I), that add character to the album with Hinoki’s prowess of storytelling. That’s when you realise that you aren’t listening to a mere album but paving your way to a land far far away from the physical realm that only your mind can travel to.
The Art of Sonic Detail
What’s storytelling without a delineation aided by the perfect sound effects that give listeners a chance to experience the story to its full potential and be a part of the journey starting from the first track to the last. Starting from sounds of nature, birds, bells, along with the throat singing prowess of Akash in songs like Invocation Of Pakhangba, Ancient Forest, Soul Of The Word, and Panthoibi, Air and Fire really sets the tone for a dramatic shift and succeeds in making you a part of the story that the concept album is about.
The Power of Musical Collaborations
What truly elevates the album to its remarkable stature is the inclusion of an impressive lineup of guest artists. Tracks like Carnivorous, featuring Pratika Prabhune and Mallika Sundaramurthy, and Forest Hymn, with Ambar Das and Arghadeep Baruah, are prime examples. Chaoba Thiyam’s contributions to North of Koubru, Air and Fire (Part I), and A Wounded Leader’s Last Stand along with Victoria Villarreal and lyricist Tanushree enriches the album. Finally, Nate Miller rounds things out with Soraren Chant, giving Air and Fire an edge that highlights the album’s global, genre-spanning essence.
A Melting Pot of Languages
Imagine a magic potion being brewed to make you truly feel the power of language- that’s what Air and Fire delivers with its brilliant multilingual approach. For example, tracks like Carnivorous, Fury, and Soul of the Word weave in Japanese, while Forest Hymn features the beauty of the Goalparia language. Then there’s the rich inclusion of Manipuri in Invocation of Pakhangba, North of Koubru, Panthoibi, and Soraren Chant. Of course, English ties it all together in most tracks, creating a tapestry of languages that’s as captivating as it is powerful.
The Soundscapes of Witchcore
In today’s Pinterest-inspired world where cottagecore and dark academia have garnered enough admirers, Serpents of Pakhangba, quite skillfully masters the art of bringing forth witchcore, which, to the ordinary listener at first might be a little difficult to comprehend but it’s the kind that slowly grows on you, given a chance and every track with its dramatic storytelling, sound, and poetic diction, delivers a product of aesthetic admiration, particularly through experimental folk.
A Voyage Into Mystical Aura
Through its genre bending and experimental approach, Air and Fire creates a mystical aura that only very few can do through the medium of music. Is this a theatre act going on, is it a manga that I am reading, or am I dreaming about a fantasy land— questions like these can be quite common as the album brilliantly carves a mystical path. In fact, it’s worth mentioning how beautifully the album culminates through the track Soraren Chant, making sure that the aura of the faraway mystical land stays with you for long.
Final Thoughts
Air and Fire is all about blending heavier sounds with a mix of dissonant textures and powerful storytelling. Imagine folk instruments paired with throat singing, tribal chants, operatic vocals, and overtone singing- it’s a first-of-its-kind experience in India! With deep meditation vibes, sound therapy instruments, and ancient ritual chants, it’s crafted to deliver a unique journey through the intense sounds of metal. So, if you’re into music that pushes boundaries and defies the usual, Air and Fire is a must-listen for you!
