Year of No Light - Ausserwelt

Release Date: April 26, 2010
Label: Conspiracy Records

TRACK LISTING

1.   Perséphone (Enna)
2.   Perséphone (Core)
3.   Hiérophante
4.   Abbesse

Total playing time:  47:48

April 28, 2010

Reviewer: Peter

It’s no secret that I’m not the biggest fan of any bands that come from France, and that is no indictment on either the people or things associated with the country.  Rather, it has more to do with the fact that most bands from that country simply fail to really leave their mark in my mind.  Granted, France’s metal scene isn’t nearly on the level that other countries such as Germany or Sweden are, but at the very least, the country should be known for specializing in a genre that would, at least, give it some identity.

Saying that, it seems that France is striving to become a doom metal hotbed, and with bands such as Les Discrets and Alcest, it certainly looks like a combination of doom and shoegaze could be the country’s calling card.  One band that looks to capitalize on this opportunity is Year of No Light and their latest album Ausserwelt.

Before getting into the review, it should be noted that much of the Year of No Light song list, including their debut album, is instrumental, so don’t expect anything resembling a growl or voice note to surface.  In fact, the entire Ausserwelt album is instrumental, so imagine Alcest without vocals is what I’m trying to say.  With that in mind, the entire album is better as background music, as there really isn’t too much to look into as far as the music.  The guitars offer most of the melody, as it’s rich and keeps the listener’s attention.  However, given that it is the foundation for a shoegaze/doom metal sound, it isn’t for everyone, and some will end up waiting for vocals that will never come.  The songs on the album all flow into one another rather seamlessly, which gives the listener a sense of being trapped in an aural labyrinth with no way out in sight.

Year of No Light isn’t exactly groundbreaking in its approach to music, but they do play very well.  It shows on Ausserwelt, which will soothe the listener with its rich, smooth guitar melodies and lost in the fog ambience.  The absence of vocals will undoubtedly drive away some listeners, but those who are patient enough to stay with the album will find plenty to like about it.

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