Litost – Projections

An ancient, timeless sound defines the whole of Litost’s tremendous hard rock fury of “Projections”. Their name alone offers a rare bit of insight, as it roughly translates from Czech to mean a state of torment created by the sudden sight of one’s own misery. With a sound highly reminiscent of Alice in Chains, a great deal of torment flows through these hard-edged pieces. Deserving to be absolutely blasted they serve as sheer forces of nature. Every piece plays off the last and they come together into a coherent satisfying whole.
Though heavily grounded in a hard rock made famous by groups like the Deftones, there is something underlying these works that gives them a mysterious allure. Perhaps it is the slight nods that hint at a deep understanding of hard rock’s classic rock roots, or perhaps it is the multifaceted approach that takes hold over the course of the entire thing, but there is something more beneath the surface. Elements of metal also add a particular punch to their already potent delivery, serving as a necessary punctuation to their intense all-consuming sound. Attention to detail means that these riffs truly soar in a gorgeous, sprawling way. Vocals receive further support by their ability to know exactly when to push the sound deep into the majestic, for the sweeping approach results in truly gorgeous moments. Even as covers they add so much to the originals as to make them something entirety their own.
Instrumentally vibrant they stop and start on a dime. Usage of acoustic guitar amongst dollops of pure, unfiltered distorted rage feels visceral. Theirs is a sound that knows no limits. Rhythms rage through with a sense of urgency. Growing and evolving in unexpected ways, they let the buildups occur in their own time. While they rush at times transforming the sound into a blazing blur, they are just as likely to slow things down to show off their theatrical fervor.
Nowhere is this more apparent than the tone-setting opener “Bus Stop”. A full-on wall of sound introduces the piece before they dial it back to show off rather nimble acoustic work. The pained vocals of “Don’t Let Go” show off a bit of blues as the song careens wildly. Gentler in cadence “The World I Know” opts for a reflective stance. Within this work they go for a nostalgia-soaked tale, one that has a fully lived-in quality. By far the highlight comes from the geometric contortions of “Vehicle” where the song screams along. Nothing holds it back for the piece embraces a defiant, confrontational approach. Ending things on a playful note is the off-kilter finale of “California Love”, a perfect cover of 2Pac to bring it all to a grand finale.
“Projections” holds nothing back, proving Litost to be true masters of their craft, sculpting a sound that feels uniquely their own.