Against Leviathan!

Based on the band name one might believe that one man project Bonjour Tristesse has to be classified as depressive black metal first and foremost. I have been surprised that when spinning the third full length “Against Leviathan!” I experienced an album which is full of atmosphere and melancholic harmonies and while sharing some trademarks with the DSBM sub-genre mainly presents quite a traditional approach to black metal. Nathanael who is the guy behind Bonjour Tristesse surely knows how to construct engrossing soundscapes and emotional moments. With four lengthy songs spread across more than 40 minutes playing time he gets across his critical messages in convincing fashion.

Nathanael has a natural knack for painting the types of mournful-yet-ultimately-triumphant passages that should be instantly appealing to fans of this particular style. And like other bands and projects of this ilk, the assumed intensity of the instrumentation (particularly the lead guitars of course) only works to highlight the grandiose atmosphere which is a constant factor from start to finish. No matter if dwelling in mournful melodies and softer sections or going for more aggression the basic feelings and emotions are always front and center of the music. There is just as much focus on gorgeous melody delivered via tremolo riffs and a sorrowful vision as there is blast beats and harsh rasps. While the style is slow and deliberate for the most part, never really rising above mid-paced, the energy of the music is constantly high. This allows the songs to develop desolate mood and dark atmosphere incredibly well while bringing enough grit to the table.

Bonjour Tristesse has an uncanny ability to lift you into the air and carry you away, soaring on the sweeping gales of its glorious dark melodies. Nathanael keeps showcasing enfolding guitars and a dark vibe, exploding into breathtaking atmospheric black metal with the anguished roars. Classic black metal riffs will burn the listener’s skin mercilessly in paradox with the songs’ bitterly cold background, constantly showcasing sharp but at the same time delicate guitar sequences, introspective yet intense vocals, and a sense of hopelessness permeating the air until the very last moment of final cut “Ode to Emptiness”, a track title which more or less summarizes what you have just experienced.

All in all Nathanael easily succeeds in providing us his view of the darker side of the modern times. One aspect I highly appreciate about “Against Leviathan!” is the fact that the artistic vision is not dragged down by poor production. Not only the technical skills and the songwriting abilities shine, but also the sound is top notch. Crystal clear and well balanced the drums and lower end of the spectrum build a very solid foundation on which the guitars are able to dictate with their magical tone without getting buried in the mix. This album is a really solid piece of blackened art and I urge every fan of the genre to give it a listen. Everyone into the more atmospheric side of the genre should like what can be found here.