The French Metal on top (6) !!

Abyss is a French group operating in the Metal Instrumental, founded in 2004 and author of three records before his first album, "Eights Hours Before Dawn" (2006), "In Depth In Immersion" (2007) and "The Shape Is Empty" (2008).
"In (d) serious", the first album, is therefore about to come out. For me it is all new to get into a chronic instrumental album, genre I listen moderately, I must acknowledge.

It's probably happened to you listen to the beginning of a title, without the intervention of singer or singer, and say: "Musically it's top, the musicos are excellent, the album (or title) s "great announcement" ... and then the song appeared ... It does happen (thankfully, very rare) that the song beating down an album, we would like to settle for the instrumental section, which therefore particularly appreciate the parties devoid of vocals.
It also happens that the instrumental parts are so pleasant that it is said: "pity it is not longer so it's good!"

This also happened to me, but from there to wish me without restraint for a strictly instrumental album, there was not that I did not want to cross ... until the discovery of "in (d) serious" !

Before you say that in (d) is serious, I'll start by saying what it is not:
- An album with a singer (that was obvious)
- An album built around one man, so that puts value essentially one man and his instrument,
- A swelling album, soulless, which aims to dazzle us all by focusing on technique,
- An album that sticks to a single style.

I will indicate that the above does not mean that all instrumental albums are like that, that's not my point, certainly this is sometimes true, but it can also be a damaging stereotype for groups. Indeed, people can refrain from buying this type of album just because it is instrumental ...

You guessed it, we will go in that (d) is serious:
- An album without singer puisqu'instrumental (uh, so it was obvious)
- An album that is the work of a cohesive group and therefore highlights ALL the protagonists of the combo,
- An exciting album, in which there is certainly technical, but never placed throughout in order to say "look what I can do, that you mouth a corner is not it?" ,
- An album with huge, powerful and balanced, showcasing ALL instruments,
- A multi-style album, one could easily imagine to have fun with this or that singer of this or that particular category to Metal, extreme or not.

Well, no suspense, the above has spilled the beans: I took a monumental foot with this album !!
The reasons are indicated above but now wants to develop.

When I listen to an instrumental album (Satriani, Loomis, WARMEN, Vai, Rondat ...), it is usually good albums, but I am unable to listen in one go because there are these two elements that personally bother me a bit: a specific style that does not venture (or very little) in other countries and this aspect "group of one man."

To Abyss, it's the exact opposite. (Very) many plays have been performed since I received "In (d) serious" and I have NEVER press the "stop" button.
Why? Because there is NO weariness, there was perpetual stimulus to suit various styles included in the cake.

Because yes, and this is where lies the specificity of Abyss: the multi-style appearance.
Within the training, Geoffrey and Vincent (guitars), Jeremy (bass) and Sebastian (drums) are friends, no question one of them pulls the blanket to him because Abyss is a group, not a solo project. The orientation is clearly Metal and limits are excluded. Do not stick to one style, to surprise the listener, constantly revive his interest, avoid it disconnects ... mission accomplished!

"In (d) serious" consists of seven tracks for about forty-five minutes of fun!
What to expect when you discover "In (d) serious"? Let me respond by entering the album.

"Of Haast Eagle" is part of a predominantly optical Heavy Metal, on a tempo impossible to specify precisely since the battery is always "moving", however, it may indicate a rapid transition in the end as well as some wise slowdowns, perfectly brought, which do not absolutely reduce the interest. This rhythmic heaviness, decorated with prog aspects, is of unquestionable efficiency ... and that's only the beginning!
I told you that no one pulled the blanket to him, production is undoubtedly many! Distinctly refers ALL instruments, the rhythm section is powerful to perfection, perfect solos.
"Ten Thousand Changes" starts like a steamroller, the heavy look is again present (this is also a constant on the album), mixed with some short but effective instillations Black, slowing after the thunderous start brings us to a landscape rather then the Heavy Doom is back, mingling with some aspects Thrash / Melodic Death.
"Mastodon" is short but, like the whole album, proves to be intense, overwhelming, the slow tempo of the beginning gives way to some acceleration and a nice guitar solo. Again, we find these aspects Thrash and Death, the end of title instead of approaching doom.
"Forest Monument" adds more hard rock elements mingling at the party!
"And Sharp Chrome" is in the tradition, always with this heavy atmosphere that the power production magnifies.
We continue with a "Golden Life" which does not release the pressure! An acoustic passage, very atmospheric rests our senses constantly alert since the beginning, and then it's back rhythmic steamroller, which brings us to the end of the song.
Finally, "Light For Wheke", as the first composition (both beyond eight minutes), takes its time to develop his point. Always varied rhythms, melodic and imposing, it comes close this upscale album.

Some will say that I am exaggerating but I do not hesitate to say: "In (d) serious" is the best Metal Instrumental album that I've ever listen ... by far!
But I add that it is also a great Metal album tout court, removing the word "instrumental" So because it has it all: "In (d) serious" is original, rich, varied, inspired, masterfully and product.
No song? This is absolutely not a problem ... on the contrary!
Abyss has found a sound, a style of its own. I tend to think that we must continue in this direction because, after multiple listens, I find that voice would be probably too much, they would distort what makes qu'Abysse is Abyss!

So, I conclude by saying that I put the maximum score without hesitation to "In (d) serious," mainly for three reasons:
- Renewed pleasure every listening (and believe me, there was!) Because of a total immersion in the band's universe,
- A specific impression that the group prints in Metal sphere (and not only French)
- An impressive production that magnifies music.

I highly recommend a heading to this interview on the "auxportesdumetal.com" and two ... to get yourself "in (d) serious!"

In tracklist (d) serious:

01. Of Haast Eagle
02. Ten Thousand Changes
03. Mastodon
04. Forest Monument
05. Sharp And Chrome
06. Golden Life
07. Light For Wheke

Find this column (and many others) on the webzine auxportesdumetal.com