With their new album out now called “In Theory and Practice” these Mancunian Goth outfit would certainly be a great crowd pleaser.
On stage, they’ve mesmerised audiences alongside esteemed acts like Hexvessel, Darkest Era, Godthrymn, Attrition, and more. Respected outlets like The Sleeping Shaman praised their ‘atmospheric and moody’ performance, saying it ‘hits the spot perfectly’. Their single releases have also been warmly received, with All Metal Everything noting ‘Secret Sons Of The Barren Sky’ for its ‘interesting musical details and innovative progressions’. Now, with their single releases compiled into the compilation album Fragments, Reliquia are set to unveil their long-awaited full-length debut album, In Theory And Practice, a captivating melancholic masterpiece.
From the dramatic opening of ‘Caesar, Bejewelled’, which combines dark power and thoughtful reflection, to the solitary splendour of ‘Give’, the album’s final, heart-rending eclipse of the soul, In Theory And Practice explores dark territories of magic and despair, memory and loss. ‘Crestfallen’ invites you to lose yourself in twilight shadows, while ‘Temple Terrace’ casts enchanting spells with its powerful guitars. The revealing ‘Bone And Shale’ is irresistibly captivating, binding your heart with iron-like strength, and even the simple ‘Interlude’ is an integral part of the immersive experience, drawing you deeper into the dark fantasy. A gothic masterpiece with elements of doom metal, black metal, post-punk and dark ambient, In Theory And Practice is a breathtaking beginning to Reliquia’s journey through the night and a treasure for dreamers.
Thanks to the recording, mixing and mastering skills of Joe Clayton (Ba’al, Conjurer, Aggressive Perfector etc) and Ben McEwan, who worked on Reliquia’s early singles, In Theory And Practice sounds breathtaking, with contrasting elements blending and transforming seamlessly. The finishing touch is the eerie artwork of Chris Kiesling (Misanthropic Art), a reminder of the danger lurking between the layers of richly textured sound. Out on May 12th, In Theory And Practice will bring a touch of darkness to the summer days.
