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In the aftermath of deeply uncertain times marked by serious illness, Dutch post-doom collective Gavran return with The One Who Propels, a powerful new chapter that follows their critically acclaimed dunk!records release Indistinct Beacon. Re-emerging as a renewed four-piece, the band have once again collaborated with Marius Prins (Throwing Bricks) and Tim de Gieter (Amenra, Doodseskader), resulting in their most expansive and emotionally charged work to date.Drawing fluidly from doom, sludge, shoegaze, and post-rock, The One Who Propels unfolds as a massive yet intimate wall of sound, heavy, immersive, and deeply reflective.
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Gavran was formed in the fall of 2017 during a period of personal struggle, when guitarist Freek van Rooyen and drummer/vocalist Jamie Kobić were searching for something to hold on to. With the addition of bassist Ritsaart Vetter in October 2018, the band’s first solid lineup took shape.
Their debut album Still Unavailing was released in March 2020 to strong acclaim. Inspired by the spiritual depth and intensity of bands like Neurosis, YOB, and Amenra, and mixed/produced by Tim de Gieter, the record delivered a sound that was massive, heavy, and emotionally charged. Released during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Still Unavailing became an unintentional soundtrack for isolation and introspection, earning a nomination for Album of the Year in their hometown of Rotterdam.
Gavran followed up with Indistinct Beacon, once again working with Tim de Gieter and adding a final mastering touch from Jack Shirley (Deafheaven, Oathbreaker). The album revealed a more melodic and spacious dimension to the band’s sound, while retaining the crushing impact of their debut.
After a prolonged period of uncertainty caused by the guitarist’s serious illness, Gavran now return with The One Who Propels. Reuniting with Marius Prins and Tim de Gieter, the band deliver a record that is both emotionally vulnerable and sonically intense.
Alongside this release, Gavran underwent a significant lineup shift. Drummer/vocalist Jamie Kobić transitioned to guitar and vocals, joined by Tinus Kardolus on bass and Roy Zwinkels on drums. The addition of a second guitar has expanded the band’s sonic depth, resulting in their biggest and most layered sound yet.
“Gavran is our vessel to look life and death straight in the eye. It allows us to observe our shared consciousness and embrace despair, doubt, desire, grief, pain, and anger with absolute attention and without distraction. Join us in this visceral journey toward the timeless space of inner silence.”
Says guitarist/vocalist Jamie Kobić.
The One Who Propels continues the thematic duality present throughout Gavran’s discography, but with a crucial shift in perspective. While earlier releases leaned toward hope as a guiding force, this record focuses on necessity, the inner energy required to initiate change.
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Gavran has played at several large festivals, including Dunk!fest, Soulcrusher, Into The Void and Duister Collectief.
Press
'The One Who Propels is unabashedly emotional, at times moving and at others crushing—and sometimes both simultaneously.'
The Progressive Subway
'They pour so much feeling into the music. Sometimes, it’s that pain you feel throughout your body that paralyzes you, while other times it’s like a rock in the pit of your stomach that supplies a dull ache that is always there, no matter what you do.'
Metal Temple
'Turning its vast energies inward to make for a powerful performance in downright every regard, Gavran nails it at practically every turn.
Head Banger Reviews
The One Who Propels is full of disarming sonic juxtapositions: the opening track’s huge major-key riffs ascending skyward above a thunderous ostinato; the pensive clean guitar intro of “Brod” interrupted by squealing amp feedback; the crushing yet bittersweet first movement on “Plutaju” giving way to stunned silence amidst a gentle wash of cymbals. Just as absurdity and happiness are two sides of the same coin, these clashing textures unite to form a potent musical manifesto for these uncertain times.
Invisible Oranges
'Taken as a whole, The One Who Propels is Gavran at their most human and most compelling. The album doesn’t posture or seek grandeur for its own sake; its intensity comes from attention, patience, and undeniable emotional truth. By embracing vulnerability and refusing easy resolutions, the band have created a record that resonates on a deeply personal level while remaining open and accessible to those willing to sit with it, discomfort and all.'
Metal Epidemic