In only the last two years or so, the metal scene has welcomed in some great, original metal coming out of the extreme scene that has been focusing more on ambient, progressive vibes. Some stand out attractions for this “new wave” of sorts, would be of course Mastodon and Between the Buried and Me as well as The Ocean and Gojira amongst many others that I won’t bother subduing my point with. This type of music excites me because extreme metal is once again embracing heavy music that isn’t solely based in hardcore, death metal and grind. I am a fan who constantly embraces new sounds and new hooks, and this latest generation of extreme music does all that and more. One such act, HYPNO5E, who has the balls to put a number in their name, is in the works of releasing their debut album, Des Deux L’une Est L’Autre.

I’ll be honest, when I was first sent this promo, prior to listening to it, I was immediately turned off by the name. Every band I have ever heard who throws in numbers into their name has sucked, straight up. HYPNO5E though, is as legit as you can get. I still hate writing their name, but the music they create is downright incredible and very moving. This their debut record Des Deux L’une Est L’Autre, is a non-linear ambient spectacle with plenty of bass-laden crunchy aggression to mix up the slower, electro prog base that makes up the majority of the album. With plenty of similarites to the above mentioned bands, as well as Isis and even a bit of DC-based Nihilitia’s noise rock.

Embracing atmosphere is a major part of creating an ambient based metal record, and these guys are pros on just their debut album. One thing that makes the atmosphere stand out on Des Deux L’une Est L’Autre is the excellent use of soundbytes from films (and elsewhere?). Usually bands fail with soundbytes, or they are used in a comical fashion by grindcore bands, but the chosen soundbytes for this album, are very poetic and really bring to life a desperate emotion that only helps heighten the experience of the music itself.

This is my first experience with HYPNO5E, and upon reading about them, I have learned that they have already done a full tour across North America. Where the hell was I? Well, after listening to this album, I for sure will be getting off my computer and heading towards the nearest venue that these guys will playing at upon their inevitable return to the States. I am sad I have missed out on this band, because Des Deux L’une Est L’Autre has yet again, opened my eyes to the limitless world of metal. Anything and everything can be done musically in metal, there are no boundaries. I embrace the ambience of HYPNO5E just as I equally embrace their aggression. This combination is a match made in heaven as far as I’m concerned, and I look forward to experiencing more from these French face melters.

AMAZING

Top Tracks: Guh…this plays out as one long track really, I can’t pick

Similar Artists: Gojira, The Ocean, Between the Buried and Me, Sikth, Isis

1. Maintained Relevance of Destruction Part 1
2. Maintained Relevance of Destruction Part Part 2
3. Daybreak at Slaughter-House
4. H492053
5. The Hole
6. Scarlet Fever
7. Tutuguri
8. Naked Lunch I
9. Naked Lunch II
10. Remords Posthumes

Self Released

http://www.myspace.com/hypno5e

Review by CODY