ASHEN: Chimera (METALCORE): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

A young French metalcore band formed in 2021, with a progressive sound punctuated by dark touches, Ashen tempers its metalcore with a barrage of violent, vivid, and dark emotions, and has forged a well-deserved reputation. They release their first album, Chimera, fueled by traumatic experiences and violent feelings, a fusion of multiple animal identities like the mythical chimera. Come discover Ashen through this heavy and explosive record.

Every note of "Chimera" explodes like fireworks. You can feel the musicians' desire to leave metalcore behind and explore other, more technical or progressive territories. The album is based on the struggle between violence and gentleness, a struggle that materializes from the very first seconds of “You Were Always Here,” a synthetic and gloomy track adorned with soft melodies, heralding a certain unease.

Although the music on "Chimera" appropriates metalcore conventions - mid-tempo rhythms, alternating between clean vocals reminiscent of Muse's Matthew Bellamy ('Altering') and screamed vocals that reinforce the terrifying atmosphere ('Meet Again' or ‘Chimera’) – the band wants to transcend the style by adding a few progressive touches through sonic experimentation (‘Sacrifice’) supported by the power of ten56., fluctuating rhythms, elements of urban music ('Chimera'), techno rhythms (‘Oblivion’), interludes worthy of John Carpenter films ('Chimera Theme') and technical solo guitars.

But above all, the album's strong point is its melodic contribution. The songs tackle difficult and sometimes serious subjects (violence, abuse), but this is made bearable by a melodic abundance and beautiful clear vocal lines ('Oblivion'). The album thus drowns us in a flood of emotions with multiple faces and ramifications (“Desire”) and allows us to transcend this pain once it is dressed in sunshine and shimmering colors (“Cover Me Red”).

"Chimera" is an enjoyable and accessible album that offers something more than just a rehash of worn-out metalcore formulas, delivering raw emotion that sometimes grabs you by the gut and tightens your throat. This production obviously calls for a sequel, but already satisfies fans with its aggressive and classy songs.
- Official website

ASHEN

CHIMERA

AUTRE LABEL

METALCORE