OÏKOUMEN „Dystopia”

Chromatorium Music, 2022

Music: Progressive Symphonic Metal
Website:
https://www.facebook.com/Oikoumen
https://oikoumen.bandcamp.com/
Duration: 50:21 (10 tracks)
Country: France

Parisian OÏKOUMEN was founded in 2017 as a trio with Elie Veux, composer and guitarist, Yael Febvray, bassist, who also serves synthesizers, and Laura Mazard, vocalist, or rather, almost operatic singer and lyricist. In 2020, the band released the EP “Oïkoumen”, whose arrangements focused around the vibes of NIGHTWISH and WITHIN TEMPTATION. However, even then a gentle breath of unconventional guitar playing was felt, which finally intensified on the album “Dystopia”…

Although some media describe the album “Dystopia” as Symphonic Metal, which is definitely influenced by Laura’s operatic singing, it does not change the fact that the guitar arrangements are too intricate, with very variable riffing and complicated rhythms, which gives the whole a decidedly progressive character. The guitar themes are quite restless, giving the music aggressiveness, heaviness and lively dynamism. Progressive-thrash-death guitar licks and even a groove or jazz feeling (especially audible in the bass parts) are not uncommon here… and also occasionally doom-metal themes.

This guitar mathematical heaviness and rapacity is enriched with synthesizer sounds in the background or extended melodies and atmospheric accents, as well as electronic samples. These synthesizer sounds are quite diverse… In some places they are very spacious, like in Progressive Rock, other times they are very organ like in Gothic Metal. But there are also cosmic or psychedelic melodies, sometimes even virtuosic.

And as I mentioned, Luara’s high and melodic singing is maintained in characteristic operatic keys, with vocal mannerisms typical of Symphonic Metal. In addition, in some moments Laura uses melodeclamations or simply sings more conventionally, I would say, more in Rock style. Indeed, some vocal moments, accents and phrasing can be compared to NIGHTWISH (with Tarja Turunen), but OÏKOUMEN is definitely a progressive band.

In turn, the drums were recorded by a session musician – Clément Denys from the band FRACTAL UNIVERSE, dealing with technical Death Metal, which, I think, was reflected in the final shape of the percussion licks, which are very dynamic, powerful and varied. The drummer perfectly copes with prog-metal twisting rhythms, syncopations and sudden changes of paces.

In addition, the album contains elements of Classical Music (also somewhat medieval) with melodies of classical guitars, flutes, strings and drums, but also sometimes in a slightly Dark Ambient or avant-garde style.

Initially, the album shows a dark and anxious mood with a dose of melancholy. However, over time, the mood prevailing on the album takes on more positive features and some delicate light begins to shine through the darkness…

Tracklist:
1. Dystopia
2. Insidious
3. Slaughterhouse
4. Blood Ores
5. Contamination
6. Burnout
7. Green Warriors
8. Five Elements
9. Amandla
10. Utopia

Line-up:
Elie Veux – guitar
Laura Mazard – singing & vocal
Yael Febvray – bass, programming of synths
Clément Denys – drums (session musician)

Rate: 8.5/10