(c) Michael Thiel
Band or happening? This question arises Thot over and over again. Musically, the Belgian collective has been trying to break boundaries for over 15 years, somewhere between post rock, progressive metal, industrial and avant-garde. Several concept albums and no less spectacular EPs have sought and found wonderful madness in the past. At „Delta“ They worked from the end of 2019, inviting, among others, the mystical Bulgarian choir Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares and the Czech singer Lenka Dusilová to the studio, looking for answers in the midst of a hodgepodge of impressions, of people and places that rush by like a collage.
The constant conflict of “Céphéide” skilfully outlines this album and ultimately only reflects one facet of it. Main songwriter Grégoire Fray sounds as manic and hyperactive as ever, Juliette Mauduit seems calm and orderly in comparison. Electronic undertones and samples, a driving rhythm section and cutting guitars that oscillate between murderous riffs and hints of prog bombast fit the picture perfectly. The following “Sleep Oddity” with Dusilová creeps up slowly, seems ballad-like and cautious for long stretches, seems to be on a constant search. Will anything be found? This question, like so many others, remains of course open.
One of the centerpieces of this album is without a doubt the eight-minute “Hüzün”. Big pop moments and energetic singing meet increasing alienation. The regular outburst of anger with a post-metal coloring comes late and subdued – the ideal antithesis to the previously extremely dense atmosphere. The frontal “Morning Waltz” contains surprising indie and synth-punk energy. What is often reminiscent of Dúné becomes more and more melodic chaos. The increasing dissolution of “Bateleur” is already waiting there, which is basically a single, oversized question mark and is riding on the wings of dissonance towards destruction.
A lot of time, even more patience and good nerves are key ingredients for one of the most demanding albums in recent memory. It is not always easy to follow Thoth, but it is always worth it. The creative leaps of thought, the characters and locations that suddenly appear and disappear again, the heart for pop and indie, but also for prog and industrial – all of this is confusing, nerve-racking and completely worth it. The Belgians are once again demanding everything and paying handsomely for it.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: May 10, 2024
Available via: Pelagic Records (Cargo Records)
Website: thotmusic.eu
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Thotmusic
Category: Magazin, Reviews