Alcest and Lantlôs im Turock

Bands: Alcest and Lantlôs

Location: Turock, Essen

Date: 9/09/2015

With “Shelter“ French post-rockers ALCEST released one of the best records of 2014. The complete abandon of their black metal roots did not harm the dreamy soundscapes, which fans grew to love. German support band LANTLÔS did an even better job with “Melting Sun“, which also abandoned the post-black metal sound of their first three records, that also features ALCEST‘s singer/guitarist Neige on vocals. Both bands share the same sound aesthetics and also shared a past, so it is no surprise to see both bands on one tour.

LANTLÔS open their set with ‘Bliss‘, taken from their third record “Agape“. The harsh sound blending post-metal with black metal might surprise fans of their most recent record. At least it surprised me last year, when I saw the German band in Oberhausen in front of far less people that today. Three “Melting Sun“ tracks are the middle and main act of the band‘s set. Even though some might think that the contrast between the band‘s old stuff and the new post-rock-sound could be too sharp, but it works out perfectly fine: Live the groups‘s songs sound much harsher.

The performance is quite static, but that doesn‘t matter, because the songs need the audience‘s attention. Due to the clear sound you can point out all the details within the songs. Some even occurred while listening to the record. The set is finished by two tracks taken from “.neon“: ‘Pulse/Surreal‘ and the band‘s probably best song, ‘Coma‘. Last year I was thrilled, when I first heard the song at their show. Of course this time I am prepared, but back then this song blew me away. This tune ends a great show by one of Germany‘s most interesting bands. If you haven‘t: Check ‘em out!