AMESOEURS

When trawling through the subgrenre of post-metal, it is seemingly impossible to escape the overarching and ubiquitous influence of Neige, the central character in Alcest, as well as black metallers Peste Noire. This time, however, the formula is more simplistic: the atmospheric and melancholic synth-heavy passages seen in Alcest's later work are replaced here with much more up-front guitar riffs. Whilst far from lacking in beauty, this is a much more direct album than we are given in the ambient subtlety of Alcest's work.

One key element of Amesoeurs' release is the vocal work of Audrey Sylvain, ensuring that the music retains its sense of melody, despite the driving, heavy guitar work. The delicate grace of her voice matches up well with the quieter, cleaner instrumental passages, whilst at the same time producing a pleasingly highlighted contrast to the chundering metal on display the rest of the time.

I would note that this album is not as 'progressive', or, at least, not as daringly inventive as Neige's recent work with Alcest. This is straight forward, no-frills post-metal, treading a thin line between elevator-music and black metal. Fortunately, whilst far from being an outstanding example, it is at least a very adequate one. At no point does the music become simplistic or unvaried enough to bore the listener, whilst at the same time allowing for the possibility that it may be used as background music.

A good album, then, but no better than that. Buy it if you like post-metal, and sleep easily and peacefully in the knowledge that your money was well spent, but, for those that are unconvinced by the general thrust and themes of this style of music, this album will not convert you.

2.5/5