Anticipation had been building ever since they took part in several shows organized by the excellent and much-missed local collective POST Lyon, where they were showcased as « local artists. » It’s safe to say our instincts were spot on, as the Lyon-based band now presents their debut album, and it’s nothing short of a resounding success.
French quartet Inner Landscape operates at the intersection of post-metal and atmospheric sludge, with a nuanced touch of jazz influences, earning comparisons to heavyweights such as Cult Of Luna, Rosetta, Intronaut, and even SUMAC or The Ocean. Their album ‘3H33′, available on CD, LP, cassette, and digital formats via Klonosphere, presents a distinctive fusion of progressive and technical elements, characterized by a darker, more fragmented edge that sets the band apart in a crowded genre.
The album highlights the band’s skill in blending raw, abrasive vocals with intricate riffing and jazz-infused drumming, crafting a sound that’s both emotionally charged and intellectually engaging. 3H33 doesn’t deliver the “skull-crushing” heaviness typical of the genre, but instead sustains a constant, underlying weight, weaving together complex compositions that evolve with each track. Standouts like « The Order of Things » and « Collective Dissonance » showcase the band’s ability to balance light and dark elements, with the latter track’s juxtaposition of clean guitars and heavy riffs exemplifying their mastery of atmosphere and tension.
‘3H33’ explores the theme of familial disintegration, from the first cracks to the final break, all while maintaining a balance between visceral heaviness and moments of introspective fragility. Tracks like « Unexpressive Fall » highlight their ability to balance thick, metallic bass lines with intricate guitar work, creating a complex, multi-layered sound that pulls from both progressive and post-metal traditions, yet retains a sound entirely their own.
The album culminates in the title track, which beautifully encapsulates the band’s journey, combining discordant riffs, stellar drumming, and a powerful, organic sound. Masterfully recorded and mixed by Hervé Faivre (Improve Tone Studios) and mastered by Pierrick Noel (Atelier Mastering), ‘3H33′ – available for full-streaming below – captures the raw energy and authenticity of their live performances.
[Photo d’illustration © J.S Mattant // THISWILL Agency]