Local metal mainstays Helms Alee released their fifth studio album, Noctiluca, last month via longtime label Sargent House. Inspired, as always, by the sea, the record takes its title from the bioluminescent algae that sparkle in the water which is a good analogy for today’s Song of the Day.
Album opener “Interachnid” simultaneously sludges and sparkles, with drummer Hozoji Matheson-Margullis bringing the sparkle with his fractured and, frankly, insane drumming patterns while bassist Dana James and guitarist Ben Verellen take us to the murkiest, deepest depths of the ocean. It's Helms Alee at their most lush and transcendent.
Noctiluca follows 2013’s Dream River. Helms Alee kick off their tour behind the record tonight, May 24, with a show at Neumos and will follow that up with a two-night stint at the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland. Below, watch the trippy marine-themed video for “Interachnid,” directed by Matheson-Margullis.
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