Tatius Wolff ‘The Relapse’
Album Review By Adam McCann
Independent Release/Alternative Metal
Tatius Wolff is the project and brainchild of former Oblique Visions guitarist Stephen Borg. Following his departure from Oblique Visions, Borg stepped away from music for seventeen years before getting back in the saddle releasing the single ‘Thumbscrews’ in 2017. This single garnered enough response for the multi-instrumentalist to record and deliver his full-length debut album ‘The Relapse’ this year.
‘The Relapse’ gives Borg the ability to really expand on the ideas he placed down on ‘Thumbscrews’. Through ‘The Relapse’, Borg is able to deliver a concept album about living with a debilitating illness and many of the thoughts, challenges and emotions which unfortunately come with it. Tracks such as ‘The Tormentor’, ‘Proelium’ and ‘Trauma’ all show touches of Type O Negative, Nine Inch Nails, Tool and Deftones really show just how powerful Borg can write with their muddy baritone vocal delivery and Gothic influences. Yet, there are tracks here which push Borg’s musical boundaries, the opening instrumental ‘Auxilium’ has enough time and dynamic changes to interest fans of progressive metal and even djent. However, the track ‘False Hope’ does have a similarity to ‘The Beautiful People’ from Marilyn Manson. Furthermore, as interesting as this album is, it does have a quality about it that requires it to be consciously listened to fully appreciate rather than simply background music.
Borg has been away from the musical scene for far too long, but ‘The Relapse’ is an excellent place to begin his foray back into the world. ‘The Relapse’ may not appeal to casual listeners of the genre, but for those who enjoy a deeper meaning to their music with an understanding of song craftsmanship and construction, this album will provide endless hours of entertainment and enjoyability.
Rating : 80/100
MHF Magazine/Adam McCann
