BLACK DAYS

"Black Days" is the 3rd full-length studio album by French alternative/progressive metal act Klone. The album was released through Season of Mist in April 2010. It´s the successor to "All Seeing Eye" from 2008 and there´s been one lineup change since the predecessor as bassist Hugues Andriot has been replaced by Jean-Etienne Maillard.

The material on "Black Days" is a combination of alternative rock/metal and progressive rock/metal. The two major influences I hear are Tool and Gojira, although Klone aren´t as experimental as the former or as heavy and aggressive as the latter ("Immaculate Desire" sounds a lot like contemporary Gojira though). The organic and groove laden rhythms, heavy guitars, and atmosperic keyboards and samples are complimented by the strong voice and passionate delivery of Yann Ligner, who sounds like a combination of Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle), Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam), Joe Duplantier (Gojira). This is highly rhythmic music featuring great dynamics. Mellow atmospheric sections, darker heavy sections, and many intriguing songwriting ideas. The album features 10 original compositions and a cover of "Army of Me" by Björk.

One of the great strengths of "Black Days", is the high level musicianship on display. Klone are exceptionally well playing/singing, and it´s a great joy listening to them perform. Both the individual performances, but maybe more importantly how well they function as a unit. "Black Days" also features a powerful, organic, and well sounding production which suits the material well, so upon conclusion it´s another quality release from Klone, who are a band deserving much more attention and recognition than what they´ve experienced thus far. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)