Review Summary: Thall reinvented another layer deeper.
Mirar has really nailed the art of making thall super enjoyable on "Ascension." Usually, thall is all about that atmospheric feel, heavily influenced by djent and eerie melodies that create a captivating sense of melancholy. But "Ascension" flips that script, crafting a dark and hellish atmosphere while still being an absolute blast. Check out "Mauvais œil" for example; it’s loaded with drum and bass elements. You can definitely feel the EDM influence in the beats, plus their unique Thallstep sound pops up throughout.
The guitars really steal the show, injecting so much energy into the mix. The album is also very melodic, drawing from classical inspirations, and the song structures really boost replay value, making them stick in your head. Those pitch-shifted guitar riffs hit like atom bombs, almost ready to blow your sound system to bits. They also always bringing a catchy feel, and the danceable rhythms just add to the fun. While Mirar has done some vocal tracks before, their music shines more as instrumental. It’s similar to other instrumental prog bands where the guitar leads take on the role of vocals, adding that catchy element that makes it memorable.
"Ascension" feels like a classical piece from the very depths of hell. It's pretty easy to picture Satan, going wild and dancing like a lunatic to this crazy music, like he’s completely lost it. You can definitely hear the classical music influence, especially since the main composer, Leo, is a big fan of it. The album blends contemporary and old-school sounds, with some sections feeling like something Bach might create if he were around today. Even with all those fun EDM and classical elements, it still carries that dark atmosphere reminiscent of bands like Vildhjarta. Take "Èpreuve (Trial)" for instance; it has a super creepy feel, like a sinister beast stalking you, just waiting to tear you apart, with those djenty, chugging grooves marking your demise.
"Ascension" really elevates thall to a whole new level. It felt like thall had reached its limits, but clearly, that’s not the case. Composers Leo and Marius have truly surpassed expectations, crafting something so distinct that it’s bound to leave a lasting mark on the modern thall scene for years ahead. Who knew that removing vocals would actually be the ticket to helping the style to evolve further. This trend really brings back memories of the instrumental djent scene from the early 2010s in a lot of ways.
