Vestige - Janis (2024)

Just when you think you have heard it all, a band like Vestige drops a release like “Janis”. Creating a very unique amalgamation of Post-Metal, Shoegaze, Alternative Metal and a hefty dose of melancholy, this release delivers nearly one hour of captivating music. With influences from bands like Alcest, SOM, Mountaineer, Cult of Luna, Deafheaven, just to name a few, this release is full of emotional swings and dreamy interludes that will captivate any fan of unique and atmospheric music.

Setting a playful and engaging mood, “Différent” nicely leads into the dream-like opener of “Deviens la Nuit”, which quickly brings crushing riffs alongside dreamy vocals giving that Mountaineer meets Cult of Luna vibe as the harsh vocals come in. A good dosage of Alcest-like shoegaziness comes front and center with “Démence de l' me” and “Océan”, further cementing a very ethereal atmosphere alongside dramatic tempo changes.

Giving the listener that Alternative/Modern Metal vibe, the first part of “Automne” quickly ups the ante with fierce guitars and crafty drumming, while the second part features Neige (Alcest) as a guest and focuses more on shoegazey atmospherics alongside some pretty harsh and ravaging onslaughts. We love the duality of the band’s sound and how they remind us of Deafheaven’s similar balance. Other tracks show more straightforward Post-Metal influences like “Appel de l' me” and “Corrosion”, with their crafty tempo changes.

We usually listen to tons of releases every year and rarely do we get as giddy as we did with “Janis”. Setting an unbelievably high bar with their debut release, Vestige has managed to capture the essence of so many styles of music and create eleven tracks that perfectly balance heaviness with dream-like atmospherics. The band’s unique style is very cohesive and polished, so if you like any of the previously mentioned bands or genres, you need to check this one out.

Label: Season of Mist

Release: Septmeber 6th, 2024

Genre: Modern Metal/Post-Metal/Shoegaze

Country: France