ALBUM REVIEW: Livre Troisième – Les Chants Du Hasard

Western classical music and heavy music have long been compared to each other. So many times you will hear references to works such as the intense, earthy rhythms of IGOR STRAVINSKY‘s Le Sacre du Printemps or the emotionally bleak and powerful symphonies of DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH by heavy bands and artists in their influences. The blend of the power and dynamic range of a full symphony orchestra and the white hot intensity of heavy music should work impeccably. In recent years, we have seen the likes of TRIPTYKON and LINGUA IGNOTA produce phenomenal pieces of work incorporating elements of heavy music and Western classical tradition together perfectly.

What is key to this blend of styles working so well together is the manipulation of the dynamics. Yes, an orchestra lends tremendous power to music when playing at full throttle, but it lends far more power and intensity when playing quietly, due to the control and technical skill required to create such an effect. This is where, ultimately, Livre Troisième by LES CHANTS DU HASARD falls short.

Whilst it is a notable achievement to have composed a highly intricate orchestral score to accompany the emotionally wrought vocal performances going on throughout the record, the production of the orchestral tracks lets down the writing, simply by way of the manner in which they have been produced. Perhaps scaling back the arrangements, and thus being able to create a more intimate sound, akin to a piece of chamber music perhaps, would deliver the emotional punch that this album is trying so hard to convey.

The elements that work within the record however are nonetheless powerful. The solo soprano line in Chant II – Prisms soars above the polyphony of the orchestral accompaniment, evoking the final scene from RICHARD STRAUSS’ opera Salome. The vocal textures on Chant III – Le Reflect swirl and eddy, creating a whole spectrum of musical colour, accompanied by some inspired writing in the orchestral parts. Chant VII – L’oubli contains some of the best orchestral writing on the record, with an excellent understanding of dynamic control and orchestral texture, at points evoking the spirit of GUSTAV MAHLER.

As an artistic statement of intent, there is no doubt that lead creator Hazard has achieved their goal of conveying the rawest of emotions through the most expressive of musical forms. There is a knowledge and understanding of Western classical tradition within Livre Troisième that is seldom heard in heavier music, and that should be applauded.

Rating: 5/10

Livre Troisième is out now via self-release.

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