This post was originally published on this site
French post-metal collective YEAR OF NO LIGHT have experienced such an unconventional journey throughout their tenure. From their initial ascent in the early 2000s they transformed into an instrumental outfit with three guitarists and two drummers. As they continued to progress they also equipped themselves with a whole host of different genre stylings, kneading them all together like a bunch of maniacal chefs.
In 2012 the band were commissioned to perform as part of the L’Invention Du Sauvage exhibition in Paris. What was performed on that auspicious day was entitled Les Maîtres Fous which translates as ‘The Mad Masters’ and was a response to the short docufiction film of the same name directed by ethnologist Jean Rouch in 1954.
This film entailed considerably graphic and controversial content detailing a ceremony performed in the Ghanaian city of Accra by a religious sect known as the Hauka. The participants of the ritual were seen to experience a trance-like state and began frothing at the mouth and speaking in tongues amongst many other unnerving scenes, some of which involved animal sacrifice, with the intention of mocking their colonial masters. This film was subsequently banned in various parts of Africa but has since been acknowledged as a triumph of cinematography. Les Maîtres Fous has only been performed twice in the 25 year history of YEAR OF NO LIGHT. The second performance being in 2015, which is the live recording now being presented to you a decade later.
Les Maîtres Fous is compromised of one 30-minute track which initially commences with a pensive thrum that becomes increasingly more unnerving as it proceeds. Haunting, distorted tones are introduced as you become immersed in the tension. Due to the minimalist nature of the piece, every little occurence possesses a significant impact as you become immediately aware of its presence.
The reverberations swarm around your ear canals, creating an ominous, almost claustrophobic soundscape. Powerful drum rhythms enter the fold, offering the visualisation of a procession/ritual starting to take shape. The droning instrumentation begins to increase in intensity, developing a dense network of layers, to the point that a sense of discomfort and unease envelopes your body. As the concentrated heaviness begins to dissipate eerie melodies fill the air. Just as you begin to feel that you can breathe again now the thick smog-like textures have subsided the vigorous energy makes a ponderous but emphatic return.
Les Maîtres Fous may not be for everyone but the fact it has stood the test of time and feels distinctly contemporary is a testament to the calibre and vision possessed by YEAR OF NO LIGHT. Whether someone would be avid enough to endeavour through repeat listens of such a profoundly fatiguing piece of artistry remains to be seen but it deserves to be experienced at least once to fully comprehend the sheer boldness of its architecture.
Rating: 8/10
Les Maîtres Fous is out now via Pelagic Records.
Like YEAR OF NO LIGHT on Facebook.
The post ALBUM REVIEW: Les Maîtres Fous – Year Of No Light appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
