MATHILDE - 32 Décembre

MATHILDE

Album: 32 Décembre

Genre: Extreme Progressive Metal

Release Date: March 1st, 2024

Country: Switzerland

Label: Self-Released

Band Links: BANDCAMP / INSTAGRAM / FACEBOOK

Sometimes the process of making great music can take a long time. Most commonly, it is an issue for established artists trying to live up to expectations between albums. Less common is that of bands taking their time to release a debut album. Enter Switzerland’s MATHILDE, who formed back in 2016 and arrived with their first release "32 Décembre" 8 years later. And having experienced their 59 min opus a number of times now, I can see why.

"32 Décembre" is a complex, dynamic and layered album, with a stylistic presentation that’s relatively unique. When MATHILDE are at their most intense, they deliver an extreme metal onslaught led by a trio of guitarists. The guitar chords and melodies are rooted in black metal that’s been passed through a techy/prog death filter and bordering on thrashy at times. The drumming in these sections is absolute pummelling precision, with bass lines that are both busy and audible, and a layer of synths providing further melodic colour over the top.

Intense as these aspects are though, MATHILDE use these elements as a tool in their repertoire of expansive progressive song structures. The songs naturally transition from the extreme metal onslaughts through slower and groovier sections, dipping into doomy and ambient territory. It’s these moments that invite introspection and in doing so, reveal some of the album’s more interesting moments, such as the melodic power of Prétat’s bass playing (eg. Une Épave De Plus), or the dynamism of the drumming.

However, one aspect that hasn’t worked for me that well is the vocal style. Coming somewhere between a distorted shout and anguished yell, it’s certainly a unique approach for this musical style that has admittedly grown on me since my first listen. Across the runtime of the album though, I personally find the forward abrasiveness of the style and its ubiquitousness approaches monotony such to detract somewhat from the album. In my view, music this diverse should probably embrace diversity as well.

"32 Décembre" is an ambitious debut album with a rich blend of sounds that substantially succeeds on the back of expansive songwriting that respects good pacing. It forms an excellent foundation for further success - hopefully coming in less than 8 years!

Written by Lloyd