HUZZAH FOR PROGRESS!
House of Commons have backed gay marriage in a majority vote. Now all we need to do is wait for the House of Lords to make a decision.
Album Review: Erlen Meyer - Erlen Meyer
It’s strange how much an album can grow on you after several listens; this was certainly the case with Erlen Meyer’s debut full length. This French quintet has constructed a dark, foreboding soundscape, drenched with loss. Days before this album’s recording, the band lost their drummer and friend Romain Djoudi to a motorcycle accident. Such a tragedy only cements this self-titled record as a personal and emotionally driven tribute. The results of which are very well honed and mastered.
Musically, Erlen Meyer bleeds out a post metal river filled with sombre melodies and a sludgy dissonance. This contrast twists and turns beautifully; take ‘Nuit’ for instance, it’s as if dwindling life signs are fading into a metallic blackened chasm. The band has that ability to lay out the atmosphere and put you under an uncomfortable ease that is chilling and eerie. There are small moments as well that keep your eyes fixed on the unseen notes and imagery. The rolling drums that dominate the landscape following the slow build up on ‘Sans Fleur ni Couronne’ takes one off guard, whilst ‘Temple du Cri’ lumps out with a tapping bassline halfway through. A thrilling highlight is the voiceless reflective interlude entitled ‘Les Caprices de Remington’ featuring a dripping atmosphere and deepening piano tone.
Here’s my review for the new Erlen Meyer record. French post sludge metal with ambiance and harsh vocals. It ain’t bad.
He awoke in a cold sweat
to those old sounds of heartbreak.
his brother at his side screaming
“this isn’t your fight”.
but that rush took over his head
and he came to his mother’s side.
and he found himself alone with that devil rambling.
“oh, well the money’s all gone
and she can’t pay the rent with that needle in her arm.”
he clenched his fists.
“what did she ever do to you,
but raise us by herself
when you were too drunk to come through?”
he took a swing.
“that’s some nerve you got kid.”
“yeah well they’ll put that on your tombstone
as the last thing that you said.
I never wanted to kill a man,
like I want to kill you, man.”
the years of pain boiled over,
trading blows across the counter.
and when that devil was down
he grabbed for his empty old friend jack.
he caught his eye as he took his last breath
and that vice went to his head again and again
and again and again and again and again
“dear god what have you done?” cried out his mother.
“that devil drunk was no father.
another name on a list
for unpaid bookies and gambling debts.”
that spiteful stare of his brother.
“I ain’t no forgiver forgetter.
I’ll make you pay for this, when you least expect it.”
he washed the blood from his hands,
kissed his mother and stepped into cold night air.-
Seriously, Defeater is one of those bands that I just have to thank for getting me through 2011. One of my go-to bands from now on. I love them.
The lyrics, themes and music to this song compliment each other so well. It sends chills down my skin.
