METACOGNATE - ALBUM REVIEW

Metacognate is a progressive metal band from Chicago that consists of Nate Wilson (lyrics, compositions, bass, vocals), Eliza Brooke Lampert (vocals), Gabe Kuchan (guitar), Richard Heller (guitar), and Vince Lohnes (drums) . They released their debut album In the Wake of Insomnia on August 1st, 2023. 

Kudgel (Track One)

Right off the bat this track doesn’t sound like most music you hear today, which immediately sparked my interest in the album. Nate Wilson mentioned in my below interview with him that this song and the rest of the first half of the album is meant to take place at night. This song starts off sounding really soft and gradually grows into a rugged tone. The backing vocals really add emphasis on the lyrics. All the lyrics, also, have so much meaning to them, but you could also interpret in your own way. Take what resonates! Some notable lyrics are; “We waste away, to free our minds”, “I try to win the game, and it leaves me only shame”, and “I don’t need to see your face, to feel all your hate”. The ending of this track, with the insane guitar solos, is something you can really rock out to. What you should gather from this is to blast this song as loud as you can! 

Black Cat Blues (Track Two)

This track, for the most part, sounds very peaceful. There is some background noise of rain which makes it even more calming. The majority of the track is accompanied primarily by the bass, then near the end,  a sick guitar riff gets thrown in. Of course the drum beat ties the whole ending together! The end of the track is “more progressive metal” than the rest of the track. Some notable lyrics are “Oh, what did the black cats tell you? What did they put in your head?”, “But even though I knew I’d be scared, I looked down”, and a personal favorite “Oh, Jupiter, your watchful eye, can’t see inside”. This reminds me of a track that would be added into an early 2000s movie scene where someone is having a personal moment of realization or becoming. 

On Top Of It (Track Three)

Intriguing, loud, and intense are just a few words to describe this track! Right away you are thrown into this powerful sound that makes you want to move, jump around, and maybe throw shit. The guitar solos in this are incredible! Given that this is a progressive metal track, you should be screaming the lyrics with your whole heart. 

Wax (Track Four)

Again, take what resonates with this track. That is one of the best parts of this album in general, that you can apply your own personal experiences to any of the tracks on the album because of the way the lyrics are written. Lyrics like, “It’s pathetic, it’s disgusting, and it feels like home” and “But I’ve been past it for years now, my head should be clear now” are great examples of lyrics that you will be able to apply your personal experiences to.   

Awaiting Dawn (Track Five)

Now is the track that slowly starts bringing you into the early morning. The vocals in this track are phenomenal, particularly the way that Nate holds the note on “...please hold on”. Also can’t forget to mention the virtuosic guitar playing on this specific track. Headbanging and moving your body should basically be the only two things you do while listening to this!  

Shattered Foundations (Track Six)

Just like every track on this album, the vocals are beautiful. But on this song in particular, there are certain parts where they really stand out. On the line “Cross and hoping to die”, Nate and Eliza’s voices compliment each other so well. “Please no more” and “...you won’t stay this way” are a great example of how well they both sustain the power of the melodies that they sing. There are many more parts in the track where they display their talents, but those are just some of my favorites. 

Waver (Track Seven)

This is another track that gives off early 2000s vibes. This track is also not really like the other tracks, which I think makes it stand out. There is a part closer to the end where it has only bass and drums, leading to only vocals from Nate, which then goes into a guitar solo with a drum beat.That part immediately caught my attention. My personal interpretation of this track is that it’s  about wavering in terms of your self-confidence, which you can tell from the title. Whether you’re not confident about who you are as a person, why you are the way that you are, or why you do what you do. 

Structure (Track Eight)

This album’s song titles do not consistently directly relate to the lyrics, but this song stands out in that regard.  The title Structure really goes well with the lyrics which gives you a better idea of what it’s about. “You can try to miss the wall”, “You’re not destined to crumble”, and “Everything falls if its structure is lost”. This is a great metaphor for power, routines, and pushing your way through life in general. If one thing is moved, broken, or misplaced, something in the structure can fall or break. 

Presence (Track Nine)

The first time listening to this album, this track was a personal favorite. The overall vibe is something anyone can connect with. No matter what kind of music you listen to, different parts of the track can appeal to many people. There is a part where the lyrics are just being spoken instead of sung which adds this dreamy effect. A sense of calm being thrown into rough waters. It, like Waver, stands out and adds something different that the other tracks didn’t have. 

Awaiting Dusk (Track Ten)

With this being the last track, it closes the album perfectly. It gave off a softer vibe with nothing crazy thrown in, fitting with the title. When it’s almost night, the world starts to become quiet and kind of peaceful. When listening to it you can tell it’s very personal, which I think gives it more meaning! 

There was so much thought and time put into not just the lyrics, but the compositions, and every aspect of  making this album. It is so well put together, and I hope everyone gives it a listen!