Album Review: Impure Wilhelmina - Le sanglot
Reviewed by Oli Gonzalez
The nation of Switzerland has proven to be a breeding ground for experimental and post-metal that really challenges and pushes what heavy music can be! Take Zeal And Ardour or Schammasch for instance. Or one of the bands that started it all, Triptykon! Impure Wilhelmina have been around since the mid-1990s, with several tours across Europe, festival appearances and supporting the likes of Amenra, Solstafir, and gold-medal winning Gojira! Quite an impressive resume! Now, they’re on the eve of releasing their 6th full length studio album “Le Sanglot”. An album that’s been recorded entirely in French, staying true to their roots.
The album kicks off with ‘Electricite Noire’. Here, we’re introduced to an avant-garde flavour of metal, one characterised by a solid rhythmic foundation and strong hypnotic groove. A platform that the guitars can build upon, whether it’s dazzling us with blazing leads or the rather splendid cocktail of dreamy shoegaze tones that become more prominent in ‘Cent Mille Plaies’ and ‘Abime’.
Fans of Alcest will be satiated here, whilst the somewhat chaotic and unstructured nature of the music is rather like Opeth minus the walls and walls of distortion. Though whilst non-standard musical patterns and progressions can be intriguing, it feels as though the loose structure is entirely that; loose. Too loose.
As the album progresses, it feels as though the music has no clear end goal or climax to work towards, and becomes lost in post-metal purgatory. Even the vocals of Michael appear uni-dimensional. Until ‘Train Mort’, when he adds a distorted growl and a much needed injection of variety in the process. Until slipping back into the post-metal shoegaze sound that really lacks any hook or clear standout moment. This brings any tension or intrigue that had been built to a screeching halt.
There’s no doubt that there’s some talents musicians within the group, and the production brings out the best in their instruments. Though there’s an unfortunate lack of distinct hooks or moments that really grab you by the scruff of the neck, which is really needed in post-metal, in a genre where this is desperately needed.
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