This is the eighth album from Impure Wilhelmina, a Swiss post-metal band.
2021’s Antidote was a very strong record, so it’s great to see follow up Le Sanglot appear. It’s a 50-minute case study in portraying emotion and depth of songcraft. Impure Wilhelmina once again show just why they are held in such high regard by fans of engaging, affecting music.
Impure Wilhelmina continue to be a very individual prospect. Their blend of progressive/post-metal and post-hardcore has a distinctive character that’s recognisable from only a few chords. Sung entirely in French for the first time, Le Sanglot is an album that demands repeat exposure to its manifold dark charms.
This is not a repeat of Antidote though. Le Sanglot is less aggressively edged, allowing the band to burrow down even further into their musical personality. The end result is songs that are more restrained and downcast, generally speaking. Impure Wilhelmina do still have their moments when it all gets too much though, and they achieve catharsis one way or another, such as the huge spiked metallic riff near the end of Larmes de Joie, as one example. The track Train Mort is the primary outlier on the album in this regard, as it gives vent to the pent up fury and rage that Impure Wilhelmina occasionally allow themselves to unleash. This is also the song that the artist behind Mütterlein appears on. Unlike most guest spots on albums, this comes across as a proper collaboration, making synergistic use of both parties’ capabilities.
Mostly though, there’s little in the way of aggression, and the band sound resigned to their fate, whatever that may be. However, that doesn’t prevent this record from offering up a multifaceted feast to digest and absorb. It’s music that is ripe for exploration. The songs are blanketed in warm melody and bleakly enticing atmosphere. Le Sanglot is all about mood and feeling, delivered via the medium of expressive songwriting and performances. The band give it their all, delivering songs that hit the spot. The sombre melodies, gorgeous singing, and dark musical structures all walk a feeling-rich path, while still finding the time for some massive hooks. Impure Wilhelmina know how they want to sound, and know exactly how to achieve it.
Le Sanglot has a lot going on. While the singer has a exceptional voice, the guitar parts are equally worthy of close attention, providing entire worldscapes to marvel at and get drawn into. You could write an essay on just the guitars, let alone everything else that has gone into the making of this collection of songs. All of the band members excel though, but it’s hard to not see the the guitars as a real highlight.
Impure Wilhelmina continue to impress. This is a compelling journey that should see any fan of mood-focused, feeling-rich songwriting, (that still has hooks), flock to it. Do yourself a favour and immerse your self in Le Sanglot‘s sorrows.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 