Lantlôs is a German act founded by multi-instrumentalist Herbst. This solitary artist came up with a debut full length in 2008. Now the band is a duo with the addition of vocalist Neige (Alcest, Amesoeurs). Their complete discography includes .neon and this third effort, Agape.
I remember covering their second effort, .neon, released in 2010. If my memory serves me right, this was a good black metal release, but the vocals were a bit forced. Now in 2011, Lantlôs is back stronger than ever with a real good album, although a bit short with its 35:33 running time. Nonetheless, not a second is being wasted on fillers here. Five compositions are on the track listing; three of them being in the 8/9 minutes range. Their take on extreme music is of a post-black metal nature. Nothing too off the wall, just tasty tunes showing crafty songwriting and good musicianship. What might throw some folks off is their jazzy moments and time signatures found in the calmer passages. For me it is just a pleasant twist. The songs vary in intensity and emotions. They move from heavily crushing intros to much calmer musical breaks, where cleaner guitar work could be heard and appreciated. The vocals of Neige are raspy and a bit forced, although suiting the music very well since they also bear a certain ghostly feel. A bit of ambience here, some piano there and clean guitar account for a melodious aspect of this music. The moderate pace is the one mostly chosen by Lantlôs, suiting very well the juicy guitar playing of Herbsts. One will be delighted by this heaviness on compositions such as: "Intrauterin", "Bloody Lips and Paper Skin" and the closer "Eribo-I Collect the Stars". The listener will be pleased to hear a more ambient/jazzy instrumental on track #4, called: "You Feel Like Memories".
Lantlôs has produced what I believe to be their most mature and pleasant album to date with Agape. Post black metal fans take note.
Track Listing:
1- Intrauterin
2- Bliss
3- Bloody Lips and Paper Skin
4- You Feel Like Memories
5- Eribo- I Collect the Stars
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
