MANNEQUINS

"Mannequins" is the fifth full-length studio album by Greek progressive metal act Hail Spirit Noir. The album was released through Agonia Records in September 2021. It´s the successor to "Eden in Reverse" from 2020. "Mannequins" is an experimental release from Hail Spirit Noir as it only features half the sextet lineup who recorded "Eden in Reverse". Not because the other half of the lineup has quit Hail Spirit Noir, but because keyboardists Haris and Sakis Bandis, and lead vocalist Cons Marg have recorded "Mannequins" as a trio using only keyboards/synths and vocals.

So "Mannequins" features no regular rock instrumentation and no ties to the band´s black metal past or even their more recent psychedelic/progressive/space rock output. The band have stated in interviews that this is probably a one-off experimental release, and that they´ll most likely return to more familiar territories on the next album release (which they did with "Fossil Gardens" from June 2024). The idea to release a synthwave release was probably born during the COVID-19 lockdown, and it makes sense that this sort of release could be conceived under such circumstances.

The band had a self-made 80s influenced slasher/horror story script in mind while writing the music featured on "Mannequins" and it´s to be listened to as a soundtrack album to that sort of movie. Keeping in mind that it´s the premise of the music, Hail Spirit Noir succeed very well in that mission. This is John Carpenter and Goblin type synth horror music, which is predominantly instrumental. The title track and the synth disco beat track "Enter Disco Inferno" feature vocals though, and both are among the highlights of the album. The remaining tracks are great too with simple eerie synth melodies and programmed drum beats. Although not completely similar it´s interesting to note that Ulver released their horror movie themed synthwave album "Scary Muzak" just a month after "Mannequins" came out. It may just be a coincidence, but maybe it´s a contemporary trend.

"Mannequins" is a well produced release and while it´s sometimes almost a bit too simple and one-dimensional, it´s still a well-made, well performed, and interesting release. At least Hail spirit Noir hit all the right notes to trigger my imagination in terms of visioning how the imaginary movie scenes play out during the various tracks, and I guess when that´s possible the band have done something right. This may not be a release for the "regular" fans of Hail Spirit Noir, but to those who enjoy horror movie synthwave soundtrack music, this one is definitely worth a listen. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).