Review Summary: Lantlos drop all black metal related elements to outstanding effect.
When Lantlos lost extremely talented frontman Neige in 2013, nobody knew the direction they would head in. Neige was instrumental in developing their shoegaze/black metal hybrid into a force in the modern scene. It was always going to be a hard task to replace his powerful blood-curdling shrieks which enhanced the band's sound immensely. The other guitarist in the band, Herbst, decided that he would be the person to fill Neige’s shoes. Herbst decided to take the band's future into his own hands by cutting any semblance of black metal from
Melting Sun. The result of this risky decision is an absolutely breathtaking, expansive, and atmospheric shoegaze album.
Melting Sun is one of the most cohesive albums I have listened to in a long time. Throughout the 40 minute runtime, you will be astonished at the flow of this album. Every track blends together to create one gigantic song and as the instruments collide they create an utterly massive wall of sound.
Melting Sun is all about the warm, beautiful atmosphere that it creates, and the heavily reverberated tremolo picking helps build these vibrant soundscapes. The riffs tend to be sludgy and down tuned, very akin to Isis or other post-metal acts. Ambient sections are brilliantly executed, using reverb soaked guitars and creeping bass lines to create something truly special. However,
Melting Sun is always building towards something greater, with post-rock-esque builds littered throughout the album. The builds create a certain gloomy atmosphere before drums come crashing in and bright, melodic guitars take over completely.
Herbst’s vocals are very different than Neige’s; throughout the runtime of the album, Herbst does not let out one shriek or growl. He uses his voice to the music's advantage by blending everything together perfectly. His voice is not utterly unique, or even the focal point of the album, but it fits the music entirely and wraps everything together nicely. The thick, crunchy bass lines on
Melting Sun are noticeable throughout and drive the album forward. The drumming is executed perfectly, especially during the post-rock-inspired builds. Chimes make subtle appearances and complement the atmosphere phenomenally. No instrument gets in the way of another, and this makes a whole better than the sum of its parts.
Herbst knew he was taking a huge risk by dropping every black metal influence on
Melting Sun. However, he knew exactly what he was doing.
Melting Sun is one of the best albums to come out in the modern shoegaze scene in years. This memorable, atmospheric, and cohesive masterpiece is one people will be talking about for years to come.
