Beyon-D-Lusion
Intuispection
7.3
Leave it to Adipocere to put out something like this. Somehow the label has always managed to constantly release innovative music that strays beyond the normal constraints of the genres. I’m sure the involvement of Mehdi Khadouj and Julien Nicolas both of French band Furia will undoubtedly peak the interest of a few wayward fans.
There is a slight commercial air present through this sort of music, but not to worry, it’s not just another faceless release churned out for a quick dollar. Fans of Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, The Gathering, Antimatter, and Nightwish to a certain extent will all be able to find something enjoyable on Intuispection. However, Beyond-D-Lusion seem to be of a different breed, deciding to attempt their own more atmospheric sound than plow through the well worn territory we’re all so used to hearing by now. I would have had a lot less respect for the band if it weren’t for these crucial characteristics to their sound. Electronic and occasional folk elements of their sound which give the album a very deliberate, focused sound as more of an intended feeling than a random journey.
The vocals are way too far in the forefront for my taste, but it does suit the styles extreme reliance on the vocalist to carry the band. The guitars, bass, and drums mainly serve as more of a scenic backdrop like the set of a play while the vocalist and ambient touches (the actors) add the real depth to the music.
The soporific tone of vocalist Alexandra Bernard floats whimsically through different tonalities and styles but comes out the strongest when she focuses on singing powerfully and clearly, resulting in a sound not too dissimilar from Anneke van Giersbergen of The Gathering and should give fans of hers something to hold onto till the release of Home in mid April.
Songs “Binary Me”, “Ethereal Drift” and the keyboard laden opening of “A Dose of Life” offer an excellent facade of push and pull tension between the wayward dynamic contrast of the crunch of guitarist Mehdi Khadouj and the floating vocals of Alexandra.
The solemn spoken words sections of two part song “A-Mazing Grace” Brings the intensity to it’s highpoint with the addition of growled vocals and the urgent pace of the music. The guitar solo on “Patterns” brings the music to a climax before the semi grandiose “Them changes” brings the album to its close.
Not by any means the most challenging or aggressive thing you could be picking up this year, but not that bad of a choice if you’re looking for a well-written slab of female fronted gothic metal to add to your collection. Intuispection though somewhat limited in its basic musicality is a solid release that any fan of the genre will enjoy. Beyon-D-Lusion has very little crossover appeal for most of the metalheads that frequent our lovely site, but for those few who may be intrigued by the description it’s worth the shot if you have the patience. It's perfect for when your girlfriend starts nagging at you about the abrasiveness of the extreme metal you normally listen to. Albeit not extremely impressive, it’s well done in its own way.
