Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde (Prophecy Productions)

 Alcest is the solo effort of Neige, guitar player of the well known French Black Metal band Peste Noir and multi instrumentalist of the also Black Metal band Amesoeurs. This project was created in 1999, debuting with a demo called “Tristesse Hivernale” in 2001, after that, “Le Secret” EP was released. To this point the band showed a strong Black Metal influence (even though Alcest was formed before Niege’s other two bands) but after “Le Secret” the band definitely left this obscure facet behind. “Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde” is certainly the brightest work of Alcest, a brilliantly arranged album based in concepts such beauty, joy and light. When I heard about this album, I imagined a sort of neo-folk or ambient approach, but, although some folk inspired passages can be heard along this album, “Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde” is basically a Metal piece, with heavy, yet harmonious, guitar riffs and a really great drum work that ranges from the mere accompaniment to some quite complex, speedy, even slightly Black Metal styled percussions. The voices here are beautiful, subtle and ethereal, enormously improving the whole tranquil and dreamlike atmosphere that surrounds the entire work. Each track this album contains is magnificent in its simplicity, quite abstract and fantastic but, at least to me, the undisputable highlight is the third track “Les Iris”, a really touching, yet intense and powerful piece that left me wordless…absolutely astonishing! If you enjoy the characteristical fineness and intelligence of the Prophecy Productions releases you will certainly enjoy this masterpiece. “Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde” is a haunting, beautiful and passionate experience… what else can I say? This album is just too good to be ignored. (AP)