CoC : Les Discrets - Septembre et Ses Dernières Pensées : Review

Les Discrets - _Septembre et Ses Dernières Pensées_
(Prophecy Productions, 2009)
by: Pedro Azevedo (8.5 out of 10)

Described as another French project along the lines of Alcest and Amesoeurs, Les Discrets aim to take their version of post-black(?) metal in a somewhat different direction. You still get the fuzzy guitars and occasionally speedy passages somewhat reminiscent of black metal, and clean sung French vocals on top. However, on _Septembre et Ses Dernières Pensées_ there is a strong folk element layered into the metallic components. Rather than simply alternate between metal and folk, the two are also combined in a manner that reinforces their sound and increases its vibrancy. This album may have some really soft passages and display plenty of melodic sensibility, but instrumentally it is anything but feeble, with solid guitars and drums. Much like Alcest, the clean vocals may not be to everyone's taste, but there is no faulting their execution, and they do lend some more individuality to an album that already showed plenty of personality regardless. (The only exception for me would be some backing vocals on "Chanson d'Automne".)

_Septembre et Ses Dernières Pensées_ ("September and Its Final Thoughts") is presented in what seems a very carefully assembled and rather elaborate package, with motifs inspired by nature and mysticism. While all this may very well appeal to those who enjoy the likes of Empyrium, the sound of Les Discrets is quite different from the Germans' pre-acoustic days -- no harsh vocals, for a start, and the songwriting itself is significantly different. With some really striking musical moments in a very well rounded unit that remains a good couple of steps away from the pack, there is a broad audience out there that would be well advised to give this album a try.

Contact: http://www.prophecyproductions.de

(article published 10/10/2010)