Les Fragments De La Nuit: Demain, C'Etait Hier

While I was reading the sleeve notes in the second album from this French quintet I came across the phrase neo-classical and presumed that I was about to listen to a symphonic metal album that had neo-classical overtones, but no, Demain C'Etait Hier is actually a neo-classical album performed with three violins, a cello and piano. The genre may not have been one that I was expecting to be reviewing, the themes and structures are not a million miles away from quite a lot of the music featured on this site.

Whilst there are three violinists in the ensemble, it is actually the busy piano work that holds this album together, both by setting the rhythmical pace and the boundaries in which the strings ebb and flow. Almost film noire like in its approach, the claustrophobic nature of the music is dark and threatening throughout, but still carries enough variety across the twelve tracks to keep you interested. The likes of "Lunistice" adds a thrilling urgency to proceedings, while "Marche Nocturne" sees a choral voice add sinister bursts to the already unsettling musical background. Throughout, the melodies are tinged with sadness, but somehow it remains beautiful and seductive, although in an unnerving way. Dark, dramatic and chillingly epic in nature, it is easy to envisage the soundscapes that Fragments De La Nuit conjure up, transferring into a more metallic setting in the way that many neo-progressive, or symphonic metal bands are currently bringing classical music into their sound and in a way it is almost that process in reverse.

Beware though, as this is out and out classical music, albeit with a modern contemporary twist and for those that need the odd guitar riff, or pounding rhythm to temper the strings, this will not be for you. If however the opportunity to have something more purely classical, but still fresh and vibrant in your collection sounds rather interesting then this could well be exactly the album for you. Add to that stunning artwork that mirrors the darkness of the music and this is a very classy disc indeed.

A welcome change of pace.

Track Listing
01. Zenith
02. Cyclogenese
03. Teletemps
04. cyrius B
05. Soupir
06. Allegra Aeternae
07. Marche Nocturne
08. Les Canons du Ciel [ In Memory of Bolal Dia ]
09. Demain, c'était Hier
10. Lunistice
11. Des Restes Vivaces
12. Thaïmiz Dih Enemy

Added: November 26th 2010
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Les Fragments de la Nuit Official Web Site
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Language: english

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