Band: Vestige
Album Title: Janis
Label: Season Of Mist
Release Date: 06/09/2024

“Janis” is the debut album of the brand new French band Vestige. And what a debut! With a blend of post-metal and atmospheric rock, this record is taking us on a journey through a thoughtfully crafted soundscape. It is the perfect display to showcase the band ability to balance beauty and heaviness.

Different

The album opens with “Different“, a track that immediately draws you in with its slow, reverb-heavy guitar intro. The gradual build-up, as more instruments join in, creates an immersive atmosphere that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The drums, in particular, stand out. They are guiding the track with a subtle yet impactful presence. As an instrumental opener, “Different” perfectly sets the stage for the album, easing you into the immersive journey ahead.

Deviens La Nuit

“Deviens La Nuit“, their first single, intrigued me from the first listen and has grown on me since. The track masterfully contrasts serene moments with bursts of raw intensity, especially in the closing section, where the shift from beauty to heaviness is particularly noticeable. It’s a compelling track that demonstrates Vestige’s skill in navigating these dynamic shifts.

Démence de L’âme

It is time for “Démence de L’âme” which begins with a calming, beautiful melody, supported by simple but effective drums. The soothing guitar and vocals contrasted with this staccato like guitar in the background almost feels like it’s easing the soul. As the track progresses, it becomes fuller and more intricate. The instrumental is haunting all throughout. We are kicked with the intensity coupled with these haunting screams that reinforce the emotional impact.

The track cycles back to its earlier patterns, but with more intense vocals and backing harmonies, blending beauty and pain in a powerful way. These shifts from soothing beauty to raw intensity perfectly highlight Vestige’s skill in crafting music that blends both calming and powerful elements seamlessly.

Ocean

When “Ocean” comes in, the album takes a heavier turn. The track’s opening is almost overwhelming with its wall of sound, but as it unfolds, the softer, cleaner guitar emerges, giving a welcome contrast. Theodore’s vocals are more prominent here, and it feels like the first time they’ve been this prominent, perfectly matching the heaviness of the song. The song ends with the haunting touch of the atmospheric synth (or whatever instrument is used here).

Automne Part.1

“Automne” Parts 1 and 2 flow together as one intricate piece. It starts off intensely, with so many layers that it can be hard to know where to focus at first. There’s even a subtle piano like melody in the background that’s easy to miss. But as I listened more, the song’s complexity began to unfold, and I started noticing new details each time.

Automne Part.2

Neige’s feature in Part 2 caught my attention, especially since I wasn’t familiar with him or Alcest before this. As someone who hadn’t heard his music, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but his contribution fits so naturally with Vestige’s style that it feels like an essential part of the song. This collaboration ended up being one of the album’s standout moments for me.

Another aspect that caught my attention is how Part 1 and Part 2 echo each other. Part 1 leans more on intensity with moments of beauty breaking through, while Part 2 flips that dynamic, focusing on beauty with bursts of intensity. This interplay between the two parts makes “Automne” a truly immersive listening experience.

Appel de L’âme

“Appel de L’âme” was an immediate win for me. The track’s groovy rhythm, combined with versatile vocals and a prominent bassline, brings together several elements that I really enjoy. The guitar solo is the icing on the cake! This song stands out as one of the album’s more accessible.

This accessibility, combined with its catchy and well-crafted composition, makes “Appel de L’âme” a fantastic recommendation for anyone who is new to this genre. It serves as a great entry point, as it is capturing the essence of Vestige’s style while also being a thoroughly enjoyable listen for seasoned fans of the genre.

Corrosion

“Corrosion“, their second single, serves as a soothing break from the album’s intensity. This track offers a more meditative experience, allowing us to pause and absorb the music in a more relaxed state. It’s a beautiful piece, a sort of palette cleanser before the final stretch of the album.

Stigmates Du Temps

“Stigmates Du Temps” brings back the heaviness with a driving bassline and intense, gnarly screams. The track strongly reintroduces the aggressive edge that defines much of the album, with the bass taking a prominent role that I especially appreciate.

Despite its raw and powerful tone, the track manages to retain a strong sense of melody, particularly in the chorus. The drums here are especially noteworthy. It provides a powerful backbone that drives the track through its dynamic shifts.

Envoi de L’âme

“Envoi de L’âme” opens with a signature beautiful guitar melody that immediately captures attention. The track takes its time to build, but when it does kick, it does so with impressive force. The opening guitar melody intertwines with the vocals, creating a harmonious blend that feels both intricate and captivating. I especially appreciate the use of French in this song, as it’s a delightful surprise given the album’s tendency to use mainly English lyrics.

The guitar and vocals echo each other beautifully, and the harmonies that emerge further enrich the track’s texture. Overall, “Envoi de L’âme” stands out as a track that combines elegance with emotional depth, showcasing Vestige’s evident talent in creating such nuanced music.

Avant La Fin

The album closes with “Avant La Fin“, a track that features a beautiful clean guitar melody and vocals. It’s refreshing to hear French used in the song, as it’s not often that bands incorporate their native language so effectively. While English lyrics often flow well, there’s something uniquely powerful and beautiful about using one’s own language in music.

This long final track starts with a gentle guitar and vocal combination, creating a serene atmosphere. As it progresses, acoustic guitar chords add a layer of depth and fullness, enhancing the song’s emotional impact. With its mostly instrumental approach, “Avant La Fin” offers a fitting conclusion to the album. It provides a sense of closure after a journey that has ranged from peaceful moments to intense highs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Janis” by Vestige is an album that I really enjoyed for its skillful craftsmanship and careful attention to detail. Although it’s not typically my go-to genre, the way the album blends beauty with heaviness and its well-thought-out track progression make it an immersive listen. Each song adds something unique to the overall experience, and the band’s ability to mix different elements keeps things interesting. Overall, “Janis” is a memorable experience that offers something fresh and intriguing with every listen.

Memorable moment: Neige’s feature on Automne Part.2

Most Addictive Riff: Appel de L’âme

Favourite blend of beauty and heaviness: Démence de L’âme

A Captivating Journey Through Beauty and Intensity with Vestige’s Debut Album “Janis”