Abduction – Toutes blessent, la dernière tue

French atmospheric black metal outfit Abduction returns with “Toutes Blessent, La Dernière Tue” (translated as “All Wound, The Last One Kills”). This album marks a shift for the band, delving into themes of human emotions and philosophical struggles rather than the historical narratives explored in previous works. Let’s dissect the album track-by-track and see if Abduction’s new direction pays off.

Track-by-Track Exploration:

• Toutes Blessent, La Dernière Tue (All Wound, The Last One Kills): The title track kicks things off with a flourish. Blast beats and tremolo-picked guitars establish the band’s black metal foundation, but layered with melancholic melodies and soaring vocals that hint at the emotional depth to come.
• Disparus De Leur Vivant (Missing From Their Lives): This track showcases Abduction’s penchant for atmosphere. Slow tempos, ethereal keyboards, and François Blanc’s clean vocals create a haunting soundscape that explores themes of existential loneliness.
• Dans La Galerie Des Glaces (In the Hall of Mirrors): The album picks up the pace here. Black metal fury returns, but intertwined with intricate guitar work and a touch of progressive experimentation. The lyrics, presumably about self-deception, are delivered with a raw intensity.
• Les Heures Impatientes (The Impatient Hours): A melancholic piano melody introduces this track, setting the stage for a rumination on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The vocals shift between clean and harsh, adding an emotional complexity to the music.
• Par Les Sentiers Oubliés (By Forgotten Paths): This track is a return to the atmospheric black metal that Abduction excels at. Hypnotic melodies and soaring vocals create a sense of introspection, inviting the listener to explore their own inner landscapes.
• Carnets Sur Récifs (Notebooks on Reefs): A brief interlude of melancholic strings and spoken word poetry provides a moment of quiet reflection before the music explodes back to life.
• Cent Ans Comptés (A Hundred Years Counted): This track explores themes of mortality and the inevitability of death. The music is slow and deliberate, with crushing riffs and sorrowful vocals that create a sense of impending doom.
• Contre Les Fers Du Ciel (Against the Shackles of Heaven): The album’s closer is a defiant statement. Fast tempos and aggressive vocals express a rejection of societal norms and a yearning for freedom.

Verdict: 4.5 out of 5

“Toutes Blessent, La Dernière Tue” is a powerful and thought-provoking album. Abduction’s exploration of human emotions adds a new layer of depth to their music without sacrificing their signature atmospheric black metal sound. The album is beautifully crafted, with each track seamlessly flowing into the next. The clean vocals are a welcome addition, adding a layer of vulnerability that resonates with the listener.

While some fans might miss the historical themes of previous albums, “Toutes Blessent, La Dernière Tue” demonstrates Abduction’s growth as a band. Their willingness to experiment with new sounds and lyrical concepts keeps things fresh and exciting. This is a must-listen for fans of atmospheric black metal and anyone seeking music that delves into the complexities of the human experience.

A minor point to consider: The use of French lyrics might be a barrier for some listeners. However, the emotional intensity of the music transcends language barriers.