Free-Instrumental-Atmospheric-Jazz-Djent....with a saxophone. I'm already sold. Believe it or not, this happens to be the second Bordeaux-based djent solo artist named Clement to release a phenominal album this year (Clement Belio, a month or two earlier, released a debut EP titled "Proxima". Recommendations to the two-part "Etiquette"). Clément Reviriego, better known as Dorthal, has released three EP's previously, but this is his first full length release and it happens to be quite stunning in structure and sounds. Here's a look at what you'll find on this release:
"Landing Sequence Complete. Doors..OHPENING."
"Blazing Badlands" is not my favorite track, but the robotic intro is a clever and phenominal way to OHPEN the album! After those twenty-seconds, you get to see Dorthal's showcase starting with a jazzy bassline and escalating into one of the heavier songs on the album. I can't point out exactly where it is but apparently there's also a guest bass player by the name of Shob on this one as well.
"Life Meditation" is where the flavorous melodies of the album start to kick in, with much more of a progressive metal feel becoming present. About halfway through the track, we are first introduced to the legendary Cyril Prevost. His saxophone presence is frequent throughout the album and it's largely what gives the songs their flair. By the end of the song, you're being treated to some soft smooth jazz. I think it's safe to say this lands in my #3 spot for favorite songs off the album.
The next track, "This Gigantic Skeleton", is sort of like the title. It feels like one riff dominated 75% of the track. It's not a bad riff but I would have liked to hear it fluctuate a bit more. There is a short part where it slows down, however, which I do like.
"Outer-Space Lost Shrine" is arguably the most atmospheric track on the album, having almost a threatningly eerie tone throughout the piece. This also has a lot of great metally moments, and it's definitely a unique track overall.
"Erebus Lava Lake" has some great tricks up it's sleeve. If you look at the track length (a brief 1:55), and the placement of the track, you'll think it's just an ambient interlude. And it begins this way too, but it starts to pick up until the listener realizes that this is one of the songs referenced in the teaser. After blasting out as an aggressive track of it's own, "Erebus" slides out on a melodic riff up until the end.
My favorite track off Arid Landscape happens to be "Illusion of an Oasis". Up until now, the songs have a stream of conciousness structure, which hasn't proven to be a bad thing. However, this song has a structured and controlled format to it and it's another track where Dorthal really showcases his abilities. And after some headbanging and grooving, Prevost greets us with a PHENOMINAL saxophone solo. After we are graced with this incredible section, the song concludes the way it began. High recommendations for this song.
"Post Apocalyptic First Sign of Life" happens to be my second favorite song off Arid Landscape. This song is arguably the most jazzy song on the album, and for me it really defines the jazz fusion genre. Again, high recommendations on this one.
"Verdure" is the sole track that comes with vocals, along with a second instrumental version. I have to say, I like the instrumental version better than the vocal. That's not a slam at Remy Pocquet, his voice is EPIC and reminescent of The Safety Fire's earlier work. The problem is that this is an instrumental album on the whole, so the background competes with the vocals rather than combining with them. Considering the music on Verdure is so powerful, with some Dorthal highlights in bass, it's hard to choose between one or the other. Anyway, there's two versions for a reason, so the listener can decide which song they prefer.
"Grove Finally Grown Through The Emptiness of this Place" is structure solid, ending the album with a final spur of saxophone and finally an epic and melodic bass finish. Album Sequence Complete (unfortunately there's no actual robot voice in the end) .
Overall, a clear 5/5 release, which is highly impressive for a solo artist. The album is "name your price" at Bandcamp, so you have no excuse not to at least get it for free. But if you're like me, and you want to hear more Dorthal in the future, I'd make a donation.
In case you missed it...
3. Life Meditation
2. Post-Apocalyptic
1. Illusion of an Oasis
