ZERO ABSOLU
La Saignée
(AOP Records)
33:48min

You can be forgiven if you did a double take when you see that this is a two song EP but the runtime is 33 minutes. ZERO ABSOLU began with a pedigree behind them, having started out as GLACIATION, but then some behind-the-scenes turmoil caused the name change. I’m not going to get into that, we are here for the music, you can take the time later to delve into the soap opera and also the music itself and also the interesting cover art. So what we have here is a very studied, almost philosophical approach to Post Black Metal. There are the expected leanings to ALCEST and maybe a bit of DECLINE OF THE I, but also touches of later day KATATONIA as well. Now with the first song being 20 minutes long you would hope to be occupied with the songs and not start to drift. For the most part you can, depending on your mindset and that you know what to expect. This is definitely not a Black Metal rager. As I stated earlier this is a contemplative almost movie score album with plenty of interludes, spoken samples, and touches of Blackgaze quality to the songwriting approach. The production is well done and here I say is where the most Black Metal sound is. The production is a tad trebly and gives the guitars a colder almost harsh sound. For myself personally I do find it a bit subdued in its overall sound presentation, because I tend to like a bit more energy and power in my music, but for others who are fans of this genre and aforementioned bands, I would say to not hesitate and give them once over. https://artofpropaganda.bandcamp.com, www.facebook.com/aoprecs

Will “Bones” Lee

Will “Bones” Lee

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