The dark side of society - A review of Les Ékorchés' IV démons

Les Ékorchés' second record IV Démons is also the quartet's best release. The group's creative mixture of sludge metal, grindcore, folk music and classical music sounds more balanced, focused and structured than on the unstable predecessor. The record doesn't overstay its welcome with twelve tracks and a running time of just above forty minutes. The record starts very confidently and offers numerous highlights in its first half. Even though the second half is overall less impressive, it still manages to keep the listener's attention and avoid unnecessary lengths.

The opening ''Juste assez sharp'' is a first highlight as it starts with melancholic but not melodramatic cello sounds with a theatrical narrative passage as the song builds up tension and evolves towards a rhythmic metal tune that flirts with sludge and thrash metal elements but also includes short blistering passages reminding of some of the band members' grindcore roots.

The quartet continues on a high note with the more rhythmic ''Tu rayonnes la noirceur'', the menacing, evil and desperate ''Que la mort règne'' and the sad ballad ''Vieux moineau'' where the lead singer collaborates with his sister who performs in a hauntingly emotive manner. The lyrics of these songs are as inspiring as the unusual instrumental work and deal with sinister topics like assisted suicide, poverty and prostitution.

The middle section of the record is solid but not as outstanding as the first four tracks but the second half still includes one surprising highlight in form of ''À côté de toé'', an emotional ballad with raw clean vocals and smooth cello sounds whose inspiring lyrics can be interpreted in several ways.

In the end, Les Ékorchés is another creative, genre-breaking and unique metal band from Quebec that you should check out to broaden your horizons. IV Démons is the group's best effort thanks to focused songwriting, memorable music and emotional lyrics.

Final rating: 90%