Corridoré – Abandon

Metalcatto

In many ways, there are two types of metal bands: the ones that want to have fun and Rock n’ Roll, and the ones that want to send you on a reflective and pessimistic trip into the aches of the human condition. If you haven’t figured it out by the beautiful and bleak cover art, Corridoré belongs to the second type. But does Abandon do more than copy Falls of Rauros or Neurosis? You know I have a soft spot for sad Post-Metal, but that doesn’t mean I’m handing out good scores the way Elyna does! I’m much grumpier than that.

Abandon is an accurate title—it makes you feel like you’ve been left behind by all your friends and family during a hike, and only once they’re back at camp do they think, “Oh… we left [insert your name here] behind.” So basically Home Alone, but realistic. I get that Corridoré employs Wildernessking-type riffs, but somehow, the band ends up sounding like Amenra for people who still feel a hint of joy in their lives. There are softer elements at play here, and surprisingly, they don’t send the music into cringe territory.

It’s hard to highlight one specific track or instrument in Abandon, because they all work together so well. Everything feels cohesive. Maybe the vocals draw more attention because of how they bounce between fury and agony, but even then, nothing feels out of place. While the band could easily be lumped into Post/Black, there’s something broader here—there’s a Pelican-like depth that adds dimension beyond unbearable anxiety. The classic long track format is in full display, but the songs never feel bloated. That, honestly, was a surprise.

Now, Abandon is a lighter experience than your average Post/Black album. It does gaze at the shoes a bit too long at times, and I found myself wondering if Corridoré would hit harder if they dialed up the heaviness. Something closer to Départé could work really well. So yes, I’m asking them to get more depressing, even if that kills their more unique, accessible atmosphere—but hey, I’m a reviewer, not a sound consultant (although if that’s a real job, I want it). That said, the lack of interludes? A huge win in my book.

Ironically, I had fun listening to Abandon. It kept me emotionally engaged without drowning me in despair. Still, if you’re looking to plunge into an abyss of fear and loneliness, this album has your back too. Maybe I’m breaking my own rules here, but isn’t that the whole point of art? To defy expectations and challenge the norm? Get pretentious. Embrace the ache. And let this album remind you, just for a bit, that feeling something—anything—is better than feeling nothing at all.

Label: Hypaethral Records

Release date: 22 August, 2025

Website: https://hypaethralrecords.bandcamp.com/album/abandon

Country: USA

Score: 3.7/5.0