“Delete to Proceed” is TARMAK’s debut full-length album, following a previous EP — “Plow” (reviewd HERE) — and represents a six-part concept piece—a dark sci-fi narrative told through sound and visuals. Across its six chapters, the album explores what happens when human progress begins to turn against itself. Musically, TARMAK navigates between atmospheric Post-Rock and heavier Post-Metal, emphasizing tension, groove, and contrast. The songs flow seamlessly into one another like scenes from a story, resulting in an immersive album that charts its own path both technically and emotionally. Each track is accompanied by its own video, forming one continuous narrative. Live, the band projects these visuals behind them, transforming each show into an audio-visual experience where sound and image merge. “We wanted to make an album that feels like a world you can step into,” says frontman Sander Vergote. “It’s about cycles of creation and collapse. In science, in society, and in ourselves.” The album opens with the title-track “Delete to Proceed,” immediately establishing a percussive groove that is both solid and intricate, complemented by frequent time changes that shape a dynamic sonic landscape. The guitar delivers well-structured riffs, alternating between Heavy passages and cinematic, dark atmospheres, while the rhythm section evolves with precision, maintaining tension and drive. In the second half, layered guitars enhance the track’s Post-Rock dimension, producing a fully immersive and enveloping atmosphere. “Careless CRISPR,” although relatively brief, surpasses six minutes in length and presents a softer, dark Post-Rock instrumental approach. Deep, anchoring bass lines and elaborate drumming define the rhythmic structure, while guitar work develops the theme through riffs and layers, gradually increasing intensity and incorporating Heavy elements without diminishing the cinematic and immersive character of the track. “Ark of Nowhere” begins with percussive drumming and brooding bass lines, accompanied by finely crafted guitar work. The track alternates between ethereal and more aggressive passages, blending distorted Heavy tones with layered Progressive sections. The use of modulation and effects is measured, enhancing the piece without overwhelming it, while its evolving structure maintains both cohesion and intensity, offering a multilayered and engaging listening experience. “Gene Roulette” opens with ethereal arpeggios and deep bass lines, developing a rich, layered Post-Rock sound. Gradually, the band integrates heavier elements and psych-tinged guitar solos, adding stylistic variety. In the second half, darker, gloomier sonorities dominate, with distorted guitars and Heavy-Psych riffs leading to an ethereal arpeggio-driven conclusion, retaining the cinematic essence central to the album. “Wörtrilg” stands out for its intense, dark character and cinematic soundscapes. Guitar arpeggios, brooding bass lines, and a heavily processed vocal sample create an unsettling atmosphere. The slow, penetrating rhythm section underpins the track, while guitar layers provide breath and dynamic variation, culminating in a dark, melancholic crescendo. The piece is original, enveloping, and sustained by extended guitar passages that guide the listener throughout. “Blue Renewed,” the final track of over nine minutes, begins with delicate arpeggios and a ritualistic, percussive rhythm. As it progresses, it develops into a complex fusion of Post-Rock and modern Psych-Prog, featuring solid riffs, intricate time structures, and dynamic shifts. The track concludes the album with a balanced synthesis of Progressive tendencies and the band’s personal style, delivering a finale rich in ideas, tension, and emotional depth. “Delete to Proceed” confirms TARMAK as a band capable of merging Post-Rock, Heavy Post-Metal, and Progressive elements into a coherent and distinctive sound. The album balances dark, cinematic atmospheres with solid riffs and complex arrangements, guiding the listener through an immersive narrative journey. Each track contributes to the construction of a fully realized sonic world, characterized by narrative continuity, technical precision, emotional intensity, and compositional maturity.
Tracklist
01. Delete to Proceed (07:19)
02. Careless CRISPR (06:02)
03. Ark of Nowhere (09:58)
04. Gene Roulette (09:10)
05. Wörtrilg (07:16)
06. Blue Renewed (09:07)
Lineup
Sander / Guitar, Chants, Concept & Visuals
Geert / Bass
Simon / Drums, Artwork