The Pitch: French metalcore band Insolvency deliver their latest album via Send The Wood with distribution through Season Of Mist. The band has spent the last 6 years sharing the stage with the likes of Napoleon, No Return, Smash it Combo, Melted Space, Atlantis chronicles, and FRCTRD.
What I Like: Antagonism Of The Soul is filled with awesome guitarwork. The riffs of Blackstard and Valentin Gondouin are heavy, catchy, and every bit on par with classic groups like As I Lay Dying and Darkest Hour; and don't miss the bass groove on "This War is Not For You." Furthermore, the consistency of this strength from song to song is impressive given the relatively lengthy 50 minute runtime. I'm also a big fan of the piano additions that run through tracks like "Black Moon." Their melancholic tone adds an extra layer of atmosphere to the already varied hooks. Insolvency do a great job of balancing heaviness and melody without devolving into whiny, Asking Alexandria territory.
Critiques: Everything on this album seems like it should add up to a really powerful release...but unfortunately there is something missing. It's another one of those "can't put my finger on it" moments that can really plague an otherwise solid album. I can't tell if it's the production or the performances, but I'm just not feeling this the way I get into an album like Lost Forever // Lost Together or An Ocean Between Us. Perhaps related, I love the dual vocalist approach, but Gondouin and Pierre could both work on their deliveries. Tighten up the singing and really feel those screams.
The Verdict: Antagonism Of The Soul is a solid album filled with great guitarwork and drumming. While there is still something to be desired in overall engagement, Insolvency are clearly talented and have room for growth. Seriously, with just a few minor touch-ups here and there I wouldn't be surprised to see their name show up on bigger and bigger tours in the near future.
Flight's Fav's: Black Moon, I'm Revulsed by Death, Death Wish
-Review by FlightOfIcarus
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