Info
- Band(s): Incandescence
- Label(s): Profound Lore Records
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, CD
- Release Year: 2022
- Review Date: April 5, 2023
- Author(s): FelixS
Incandescence, hailing from Montreal, Quebec, Canada hasn’t got much in common with the so-called ‘Metal Noir Quebecois’ movement that has been spawning one great band after another. But, on the other hand this two-piece does share a similar profound sort of sophistication to their music – something that the country has a long history of, starting off with the ever-mind bending Voivod. The wild and blooming Black/Death Metal alloy of the duo has been intriguing people ever since their first releases, about a decade ago. With ‘Le Coeur de l’homme’ they brought forth their fourth full-length album, which happen to be the first one for the much revered Profound Lore Records.
However the first albums already showed some of the band’s talent in bending their Black/Death Metal into all sorts of unorthodox ways, I do feel that the band needed quite a bit of a run to get into their full potential. This fourth offering does not only sounds best, definitely, but also is a clear step up to their song writing talent. With loads of unconventional riffing, challenging rhythm-changes and off-beat drumming it has a bit of a progressive touch to it. Yet, nothing like Meshuggah, or worse, Jazz-induced technicalities. However, the complexity of the music, which is further enhanced by truckloads of contrarian riffs and convoluted drum fills, does make for a ear-full of exhilarating and provocative metal. That it is not all about eccentric riffs and rhythms is shown by the great sense of melody, although a bit tucked away within the music and they might need a few extra spins to fully unfold, they do lure you into the abyss that the band create. Sometimes it does feel like an evil marriage between some of the best Icelandic Black Metal bands and a band like Imha Tarikat, the latter is particularly evident in the vocal department.
If you want to have a good idea of the ambiance of the music, try to imagine yourself on that ship depicted on the cover, floating helplessly on a black river Styx towards the unforgiving jaws of death. Yes, she music’s character is masterfully reflected in the immensely intense artwork, something that is really the icing to the cake and the reason my very finger was drawn to the play button in the first place.
It may not really be for every fan of extreme metal, but should you like to challenge yourself with an uncommon band, something Profound Lore Records seems to have a bit of a patent on by now, then you should definitely consider giving Incandescence a chance. Especially if you are willing to invest a bit more time, the album will repay your efforts with a highly rewarding listen.
Profound Lore Records
- Country: Canada
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Youtube
