7/10

Mark Ciani has always approached music like a master craftsman, methodically shaping soundscapes that blur the line between personal introspection and universal experience. And on his latest full-length release 'The Catacombs', he reaches new artistic heights, weaving together atmospheric indie-rock, sharp storytelling, and hauntingly beautiful arrangements into a collection that feels both urgent and timeless.

His eighth album, co-produced with Grammy-winning engineer Fernando Lodeiro, 'The Catacombs' sees Ciani shedding expectations, embracing a newfound creative freedom that allows him to explore the fragility of peace, the weight of ambition, and the self-inflicted wounds that often stand in the way of happiness. Each song introduces an array of vividly drawn characters brought to life through masterful lyricism and intricate textures.

Tracks like 'Catch My Breath' capture the suffocating panic of feeling life unravel, while '73 Seconds' plunges into the abyss of catastrophe, reminding us that disaster can strike without warning. But it’s 'Some Kind of Purgatory' that leaves a more lasting impression as it delivers a stark, cinematic meditation on isolation, resilience, and the relentless search for meaning.

Despite its shadowy themes, 'The Catacombs' remains an exhilarating listen, balancing melancholy with an undeniable magnetism. While traditional catacombs are places of decay, Ciani’s vision is the opposite; it’s a living, breathing entity, drawing us into its depths, leaving us spellbound and eager to return.