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Persefone > In Lak'Ech > Reviews
Persefone - In Lak'Ech

Crash Landing ? - 100%

Livingwave17, April 6th, 2018
Written based on this version: 2018, Digital, Independent

And just like that, out of the void, Persefone have given us a new song. While they usually take about 4 years between releases, I believe nobody could expect this one. But I guess when inspiration strikes, you have to let it shine. The band’s keyboard player Miguel Espinosa Ortiz explains that after their Japanese tour, they came back full of ideas, and the song came out of nowhere. Apparently, the guys claim that short and compact as it is, this new song incorporates elements from their entire discography, and it should be enjoyable for any Persefone fan. I disagree! This will be enjoyable for any progressive metal fan. Because by all possible standards, this great piece of music hits the high mark.

First of all, the concept behind “In Lak’ech” refers to a greeting from the old culture of the Mayan civilization, and it translates as “I am you, and you are me”. So it is a very honoring expression, describing a sense of unity between the two. This philosophy is very similar to the band’s concepts on the last two releases, which referred to a spiritual connection of all life. However, the idea of inspiration from an ancient culture, relates back to older releases such as Shin-Ken and Core. So how did the Andorran gods of progressive metal decide to send through such a profound philosophical idea? Well, let’s just say, ‘controlled chaos’ is the expression for it. If you have any contact with the band, you know that their music is a proper intellectual challenge. Blistering riffs and virtuous lead guitars, supported by outrageous drums and balanced by celestial keyboards, will throw you on a true joyride of emotion, adrenaline and power.

With the highest level of professionalism, Persefone have fitted a bit of everything that they are known for in a 7 minute track, and have kept it all balanced and connected. From the mysterious ethereal intro, to the most complicated rhythmic patterns one could imagine, and to some bits of exceptional grooves and growls, this song feels like an epilepsy crisis. However, it alternates with simple, linear structures, that are easy to follow and absorb. I’d have to be deranged to say that they have ‘hooks’ but some bits are still properly catchy. All the adrenaline and madness is tuned down by the clean vocals in the chorus, like a wise voice saying “Hey, relax, it’s all hippie and beautiful”. If I were to associate this song to another experience I’d have to say that it is a lot like skydiving. It is a proper dynamic adrenaline surge that sends you completely out of control, while surrounding you with the most beautiful landscapes (or soundscapes) that you could envision. And you never know what’s going to happen next, or by the time you reach the end. It keeps throwing surprises at you until you can fit no more.

And while we spoke of surprises, somehow I still haven’t mentioned the biggest one of them all. For this song, a guest appearance is the last thing that you would try to squeeze in. Still, Tim Charles from Ne Obliviscaris has had the room to give us two violin sections, as well as a verse of singing. And on his bits, this song literally sounds like both bands at the same time. Working together with Miguel, on a harmonious combination of keys, violins and clean singing, Timmy is another element that keeps the zen alive, and doesn’t allow the song to feel like a crash-landing. Despite all the turbulence, you will come out of it in one piece! What is obvious is that these guys aren’t trying to save up any ideas for a future album. This song is the evolutionary climax of the band, summing up everything they are as musicians and as humble human beings. And it is elegantly released in an EP, featuring also two songs from their latest album, in an instrumental version. Probably the only thing missing here is Jens Bogren’s work in the mixing room, as it was on Aathma. But still, what the guys prove is that you can create musical magic without so much tech magic. So if you recently felt like you want to jump out of a plane, but couldn’t afford it, fear not, because now, you have an alternative. And in case you completely disagree with everything that I wrote, just remember “I am you”!

Enjoy!

Stronger than Ever! - 100%

andreipianoman, April 4th, 2018
Written based on this version: 2018, Digital, Independent

After listening to a multitude of bands and musicians labeled as "prog" and analyzing it all very thoroughly, the only conclusion I can come to is that the name Persefone incorporates the greatest, most talented and inspirational musicians that this genre has ever had the chance to see. With 2013's Spiritual Migration breaking any idea of boundary or limitation and 2017's Aathma easily living up to the anticipation that it's predecessor created within this niche, the progressive melo-death giants from Andorra now continue their stream of passion with the all new, all-mighty In Lak'Ech, a song featuring the amazing violinist and singer Tim Charles from Ne Obliviscaris.

I have to say what they did here was quite ambitious. Releasing a three track EP out of which only one song is new and the others are instrumentals means that the new track should damn well be good. For In Lak'Ech, the main idea is related to the concept of their fifth album, Aathma, seeing all life as different expressions of the same eternal and universal soul. Now, they turn to a greeting from the Mayan tradition that illustrates this idea as "seeing yourself in someone else". It seems after a few shifts in their choice of concepts from Greek mythology (Core) and Samurai training (Shin-Ken), the Andorran group have decided that the best use for their musical skills is to spread peace and enlightenment through progressive riffs and seriously intense death growls. But don't think for one second that this is just a redo from their past two albums because the sound keeps evolving.

In Lak'Ech begins by focusing on the guest musician, opening with a lovely violin melody. It is not long though before the progressive madness starts whirling through your brains. Every detail that defines Persefone's sound is stuffed somewhere in this piece from time signatures that look like a phone number to heavy drops, blistering guitar leads, ethereal synths or keyboards and alternation between clean and harsh vocals, all covered by a fine coat of professionalism and a crystal clear hi-fi mix to bring out the most of it! I guess they've always been about pushing boundaries, their own as well as those of musical genres and general perception of how music is "supposed to be". In time, that transformed a group of human beings into a truly unique musical entity.

As far as songwriting goes, this is as balanced and precise as extreme chaos can get. It's loud and powerful and it takes you by storm but it's also mathematical and precise. And the message along with the clean vocals and epic keyboard sound make 7 minutes of metal a deep and inspiring spiritual experience. You can actually feel how the music these people write stimulates you to evolve.

Too much to take in? Good! Now let's spice things up with a Ne Obliviscaris violin solo and a second clean voice. Tim Charles is definitely a game changing figure in the prog world and putting him in the same room with this bunch of prog freaks results in an extreme and delightful mayhem of awesomeness, skill and badassity.

Many people might find this too challenging and difficult to listen to but for me, it's the recipe for perfection. With In Lak'Ech, Persefone prove their worth once again by pushing everything to the limit and beyond. Against all odds they still find ways to improve and they are now stronger than ever! Do yourself a favor! Check out the song and enjoy the goosies!