Tempus Cucumis have sharpened their classically-trained chops once again for ‘The Axe Drops’, a six-minute tempestuous slice of prog-rock featuring the mesmerising jazz-tinged vocal talent of Anne-Lien. As an extended adaptation of the track that first appeared on their 2021 experimental demo album Mini Mouton—a prog soundtrack to the 1926 silent film Ménilmontant—the single transcends its cinematic roots and evolves into something far more colossal.
Crafted by the formidable duo Jeroen De Brauwer (guitars, drums, composition) and Lukas Huisman (keys, production), the single builds on their signature style of seamlessly balancing storm and stillness. The quiet, reflective interludes, where guitar and keys take centre stage, are fraught with tension, leaving you holding your breath for the monolithic crescendos of doom-laden riffs and symphonic flourishes.
These climaxes pulverise, especially when Anne-Lien’s ethereal vocals sweep in as an arresting juxtaposition to the hostility which breeds in the ferocity of the heavier sections which will leave fans of prog and post-rock slack-jawed. It’s the band’s deft ability to maintain captivation even in the stripped-back moments that make The Axe Drops a triumphant tour de force. The polished production ensures every note feels deliberate, every beat intentional, and every shift monumental.
As Tempus Cucumis work towards their eighth album, this single not only pays homage to their roots but also cements their status as titans of atmospheric innovation. The album artwork, a painting by Giorgi, is a fitting visual companion to a track that feels as vivid as it sounds.
Stream The Axe Drops on Spotify now.
Review by Amelia Vandergast