Metalcatto
Impure Wilhelmina is a bit of an underground darling. The band has had an impressive run over the last few albums, delivering work that defies labels and isn’t afraid of change. Le Sanglot has big shoes to fill, but we can be confident that this Dark Rock and Prog Metal adventure will try its best to keep us impressed one more time. Oh boy, my optimism is ridiculous today.
You dream of being this heartbroken or feeling this lonely. Le Sanglot portrays a level of pain and vulnerability that is also overcome by the gentle and intense craft these guys show on every track. There are harsh and even brutal moments here and there, but what rules this experience is a somber and sorrowful atmosphere that contrasts a lot with the band’s previous work—in a good way. This is Post-Prog done well. It has complexity and emotional depth. You can count on one hand the bands that can achieve that. Now, I need more tissues.
First of all, if you love French or are learning it, this is great comprehensible input. The vocalist has perfect enunciation, which is probably the most underrated skill in extreme Metal. Everyone else is just having their best day. Sure, nothing is outstanding on its own, but excellent writing can elevate almost anything, and Impure Wilhemina knows how to write songs that bring you back to that summer when you were happy and didn’t know it. There has to be something I don’t like, right?
Well, it’s hard, but if I had to point something out, it’s the length… I got you. No, the album is long, but the pacing is great, and time flies listening to it. However, I do think the almost Gothic aesthetic used here could alienate a lot of fans. Antidote was definitely heavier and meaner than this thing, so it will demand some detachment from longtime listeners. But if you’re not obsessed with everything sounding the same, you should be happy with what Le Sanglot has to offer.
Without a ton of heavy riffs or even aggressive moments, Le Sanglot manages to create a journey that is equally reflective and devastating. Sure, we could have used a few more punches, but as it stands, Impure Wilhelmina shows that it is one of the most interesting bands in the Post-something scene. So if you haven’t jumped on the hype train yet, what are you waiting for? This is a ride worth taking.
Label: Season of Mist
Release date: May 22th, 2026
Website: https://impurewilhelmina.bandcamp.com/
Country: Switzerland
Score: 4.0/5.0
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