KLONE – The Unseen (Album Review)

Hailing from France, Klone are a band who have been on the rise over the course of several albums. Although originally employing heavier and darker approaches – like that of Gojira – the band has mellowed out in recent years, including doing multiple acoustic tours. However, this turn of direction seems to be lifting their profile even higher. Other bands have taken this approach as well: Anathema, Leprous, Opeth and more. Some of the old guard may be understandably put off by the softer direction, but an even larger fan base eventually ensues. 

“The Unseen” is perhaps Klone’s gentlest recording yet but that doesn’t mean the intensity scale has been lowered. Their hypnotic approach creates a fervor with repeat listens as the band wraps their sound around the listener. Frontman Yann Ligner often seems right on the edge of turning his rich, soaring vocals into growls, but he consistently remains on the melodic side of things.

Despite having two guitarists flanking Ligner, the presence of ambient drones and spacey reverb surprisingly dominates what should be considered a head-banging band. Perhaps this is due to Matthieu Metzger who is credited with “Samples, Wind Midi Controller, Keyboards, Saxophones”, or perhaps it’s the approach that Ligner takes in writing and arranging the material. Whatever the cause, the good news is that “The Unseen” excels in capitalizing on Klone’s trademarked blueprint, so much so that the album’s seven tracks become an addictive pleasure, beckoning repeat listenings. 

“Interlaced” opens the album, an entrancing lead song that mixes in the right amount of shoe gaze to make the most of the simple guitar riffs and fluid bass lines. Ligner’s melodic sensibilities take center stage as the foundation is established by the rest of the band. Towards the latter part of the song there is an opportunity to take it to the next level with a searing lead guitar crunch, but instead we get two high-pitched sax solos from Metzger, which at first seems like a shock. The solos themselves are artful and skilled but to these ears they ultimately seem out of place in the context of the song, taking the energy away from where it naturally could have gone.

The title track follows, another well-paced track which gives Enzo Alfano’s bass a little more room to flourish. The atmospherics here are absolutely entrancing as the bass swims beneath the surface. As the song gets more frenzied and Ligner’s vocals become possessed, drummer Morgan Berthet goes to town. This time a brief, buried solo either on keys or sax makes more sense and adds to the intensity. “Magnetic” carries the familiar Klone vibe but eventually reveals itself to be a song of discovery and delight. “I love you all, I want to leave you memories, I want to see you smile, life is only just beginning, it’s good to be alive!” Who would have thought Klone would give us a joyous anthem, making us walk a little lighter and smile a little brighter? 

Every one of the seven songs offered here is a gem. “Desire Line” breaks it down a little further, nearly begging for a bluesy solo to cut through. “Slow Down” does just that – submerging us in to the depths of surrounding reverb reflections with intoxicating pleasure. Alfano once again keeps things moving with his bass lines, until the chorus condenses the energy for a packed punch. However, it’s in the final track “Spring” where Klone truly accentuates the spaces between notes. With a 2 minute ambient opening and a 6 minute looped guitar riff closing the piece, the song proper is about 4 minutes long in between. Every section of this 12 minute exploration is rewarding in its own unique way, an intriguing manner in which to close the album. 

Although Klone doesn’t have a lot to offer in terms of variation to their dedicated sound, they accomplish what they set out to do many times over. “The Unseen” is a satisfying success, a measured combination of restraint and indulgence. While lead guitar solos are still frustratingly absent from their repertoire, Klone is focused on winning the listener over by sheer determination. Their melodies, arrangements and production draw you in until you are caught in their web, gratefully ensnared by… the unseen. 

Released By: Pelagic Records
Release Date: November 8th, 2024
Genre: Progressive Rock / Metal

Musicians:

• Yann Ligner / Vocals
• Guillaume Bernard / Guitars
• Matthieu Metzger / Keyboards, saxophones
• Aldrick Guadagnino / Guitars
• Morgan Berthet / Drums

“Unseen” Track-Listing:

1. Interlaced (5:39)
2. The Unseen (5:45)
3. Magnetic (3:19)
4. After the Sun (4:04)
5. Desire Line (5:28)
6. Slow Down (5:41)
7. Spring (12:15)

Order “The Unseen” HERE