(c) Jean-Sébastien Mattant
Although they have been around for a few years now, dare Inner Landscape only now to the album format. The quartet from the French city of Lyon specializes in heavy post metal, inspired by Isis, Sumac and Intronaut, among others. In Klonosphere they found the ideal partner for the massive, destructive and at the same time melancholic sound. “3H33” is dedicated to the gradual disintegration of family structures and relationships.
The crushing force with which “The Order Of Things” rolls out after a short intro torpedoes all of the senses at the same time. The comparisons mentioned at the beginning are more than understandable, especially when Julien Gachet chases his infernal, pain-distorted vocals through emotional depths and is thus disturbing in the best sense of the word. All around, however, the band plays with post-metal expectations and always finds the necessary freedom for small melodic approaches, for short breathers in the midst of monumental frontal attacks. The oppressive middle section with the subsequent build-up is particularly impressive.
The comparatively short “Unexpressive Fall”, on the other hand, hits the ground running, suggests something like a groove and lets the guitar sing chilly, oppressive melodies. They seem like the conditionally eternal ice of glaciers, move similarly sedately and yet sparkle so unreally. The final title song “3H33”, on the other hand, uses a classic post-rock structure, only allows the corresponding heaviness to come slowly and takes it in installments. The French really likes the conscious play with extended gaps and caesuras, with remaining in stasis for minutes.
Despite its brevity, 3H33 has become an elusive album, which is a feat in itself. Of course, the post-metal wisdom has been eaten with oversized spoons and, despite all the familiarity and all the parallels to established acts, they have found their own niche. In particular, the melancholic-melodic insertions in the middle of the oppressive thicket are increasingly becoming Inner Landscape’s specialty. This is really great, especially for a first album.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: May 17, 2024
Available via: Klonosphere / Season of Mist
Facebook: www.facebook.com/innerlandscapeband
Category: Magazin, Reviews