This is the third album from Lethe, a dark rock band from Switzerland/Norway.
Well, I wasn’t expecting a new album from Lethe, I must admit. 2014’s When Dreams Become Nightmares was an amazing album, one which I’ve only enjoyed more and more over the last decade (!) since it was released. Nonetheless, we are now gifted with Alienation, which brings us 45 minutes of material.
Alienation brings us a feast of dark rock, (for lack of a better appellation), that combines electronica, experimental sounds and ideas, pop elements, and atmospheric soundscapes into a musical whole that’s full of personality, feeling, and quality.
There’s a depth of content here that demands exploration over time, despite its manifold charms that are instantly alluring. The songs are well-crafted, feeling as if they have been slowly compiled and layered, rather than written in any conventional way. There’s a range of ways to engage, from intricate detailing all the way to vast atmospheric strokes that seem to go on for miles. Music to get lost in, Alienation is captivating and absorbing.
Well, Lethe have done it again. Highly atmospheric, rich in emotion, vocally and melodically beautiful, (mostly – not 100% sold on some of the more rap-style vocals), and textured with a darkness that’s immersive and moreish, Alienation is a standout release.
Due to how much I adore When Dreams Become Nightmares I can’t accurately compare the new album to it yet in terms of which one I prefer, as obviously I know the former so much better. What I will say is that even so early on, it’s clear that Alienation is a more than worthy successor.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 