Alright, Metalcatto is back, and despite all my fellow reviewers covering this week’s epic releases (because deep down, I’m a generous bastard), I wanted to give something outside our usual comfort zone a chance. Have you ever heard of atmospheric, electronic Doom? I hadn’t either, which is why IXION’s Evolution grabbed my attention immediately. I knew the chances of me loving it were low, but you know what? Sometimes I get fed up with the “brahh… brahh… blastbeat, blastbeat, brahh brahhh,” and the French usually defy expectations. So, let’s go!
Evolution is a combination of several EPs, so you might expect a gross lack of cohesion, but that’s not the case. The album is well put together, and aside from feeling a bit long, there’s no indication that these were originally separate releases. However, I must warn you: Atmospheric Doom is a different beast! It’s something so strange and counter-intuitive—it’s not even depressing. You could put this on at night while stargazing and feel an overwhelming sense of peace, something I’d never expect from Doom Metal. The closest most Doom gets to peace is the feeling of being overdosed, which, now that I think about it, isn’t really pleasant.
Evolution isn’t repetitive, noisy, or even dense. It’s almost like ambient depressing music, but though it’s inspired by transhumanism in some way, it’s something that defies easy categorization. And I’m sure many of you won’t get it. In fact, I didn’t get it at first either, but I started to appreciate the risks this album takes. So be prepared for a barrage of synths, as if it were 1985 again—except these synths actually fit the music and don’t make me cringe. At MER, we always do reality checks on the ’80s and ’90s, and trust me, this passes the test.
Now, I don’t think I need to go out of my way to point out the particular issues with Evolution. This isn’t an album for the usual Metalhead who’s mostly seeking extreme negative emotions. Sure, there’s bleakness and sadness here, but it comes in a more melancholic, almost Blade Runner way. If I’m being neutral, I’d say the pace and album length are the biggest challenges for me, which is somewhat expected since it’s packing three EPs into one. Also, is it just me, or do a lot of the tracks start with the same synth-chilled vibe?
Anyway, if you want a break from your usual extreme Metal routine and need something relaxing, but still dark enough to match your Doom cravings, Evolution might be what you need. Just be ready to approach it with an open mind. It’s not what I expected, and it’s probably not what you expect either—but hey, life can’t always be predictable, right? That’d be even more boring than our everyday routine, sigh. Until next time!
Label: Finisterian Dead End
Release date: 25 October, 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ixiondoom
Country: France
Score: A relaxing 3.0/5.0
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