Rocker (feedbot)
Gold Member
Marseille’s LANDMVRKS have worked hard to cement their place within the metalcore scene, since their explosion in 2014. Since day one, they’ve been pushing boundaries, marrying raw energy, delightful melodies, and heart-wrenching lyrics. From their first release in 2016 with ‘Hollow’ to 2021’s ‘Lost In the Waves’, alongside numerous tours with the likes of The Devil Wears Prada, Like Moths to Flames, and Polaris, the band have quickly grown in popularity and their newest release, ‘The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been’ looks to cement their place within the industry.
Title track ‘The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been’ starts proceedings and, from the start, demonstrates the raw and visceral energy that LANDMVRKS possesses. Vocalist Florent Salfati’s croons give way to guttural screams, layered upon frantically placed drum work, setting the pace of the album from the beginning. ‘A Line in the Dust’ is a chuggy one, with face-melting riffs and blast beats, while ‘Sulfur’ and ‘The Great Unknown’ crushes bruising riffs with explosive drumming. This French quintet knows how create a dynamic environment; the captivating ‘La Valse du Temps’ showcases the band’s ability to switch between a roaring and heavy atmosphere, to sections that are more melodic and almost bittersweet.
However, a true delight of this release is hearing Salfati’s rapping in his mother tongue; ‘Creature’ and ‘Blood Red’ are a couple of tracks where his talent shines through, and one could argue is very akin to the late Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. But it’s ‘Sombre 16’, an almost interlude-like track, where Salfati really demonstrates his talent – throughout the course of the album, he boasts the versatility of his wild vocal range, from stunning clean vocals to energetic rapping to furious screams.
And there’s no denying the band are ferocious when ‘Deep Inferno’ feels like a punch to the throat within the first 15 seconds – the riffs are savage and ruthless, perfectly complementing Salfati’s vocal work, with hooks that pull you in mercilessly. ‘Requiem’ follows a similar path and is packed with vivacious drumming and energy that’s almost feral. The entirety of the album has allowed LANDMRVKS to flex their musical muscles, with enormous choruses, heavy melodies, and brutal breakdowns, providing the perfect soundscape for Salfati to layer his captivating vocals upon, which are full of heart and power. A strong performance from a slick band.
As the closing chords of ‘Funeral’ echo – a heart-breaking, piano-led track – it’s even more clear that LANDMVRKS have a created a technically solid and enjoyable release in the form of ‘The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been’. There’s no denying that fans will devour this release and find themselves filled with renewed vigour, ready to scream the lyrics from the depths of their souls, as LANDMRVKS have found a way to consistently deliver a new, authentic sound.
JESS TAGLIANI
Title track ‘The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been’ starts proceedings and, from the start, demonstrates the raw and visceral energy that LANDMVRKS possesses. Vocalist Florent Salfati’s croons give way to guttural screams, layered upon frantically placed drum work, setting the pace of the album from the beginning. ‘A Line in the Dust’ is a chuggy one, with face-melting riffs and blast beats, while ‘Sulfur’ and ‘The Great Unknown’ crushes bruising riffs with explosive drumming. This French quintet knows how create a dynamic environment; the captivating ‘La Valse du Temps’ showcases the band’s ability to switch between a roaring and heavy atmosphere, to sections that are more melodic and almost bittersweet.
However, a true delight of this release is hearing Salfati’s rapping in his mother tongue; ‘Creature’ and ‘Blood Red’ are a couple of tracks where his talent shines through, and one could argue is very akin to the late Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. But it’s ‘Sombre 16’, an almost interlude-like track, where Salfati really demonstrates his talent – throughout the course of the album, he boasts the versatility of his wild vocal range, from stunning clean vocals to energetic rapping to furious screams.
And there’s no denying the band are ferocious when ‘Deep Inferno’ feels like a punch to the throat within the first 15 seconds – the riffs are savage and ruthless, perfectly complementing Salfati’s vocal work, with hooks that pull you in mercilessly. ‘Requiem’ follows a similar path and is packed with vivacious drumming and energy that’s almost feral. The entirety of the album has allowed LANDMRVKS to flex their musical muscles, with enormous choruses, heavy melodies, and brutal breakdowns, providing the perfect soundscape for Salfati to layer his captivating vocals upon, which are full of heart and power. A strong performance from a slick band.
As the closing chords of ‘Funeral’ echo – a heart-breaking, piano-led track – it’s even more clear that LANDMVRKS have a created a technically solid and enjoyable release in the form of ‘The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been’. There’s no denying that fans will devour this release and find themselves filled with renewed vigour, ready to scream the lyrics from the depths of their souls, as LANDMRVKS have found a way to consistently deliver a new, authentic sound.
JESS TAGLIANI