Leaders of a French technical death, a kind of Archspire, Atlantis Chronicles combines formidable technicality and unstoppable musicality. The energy of their previous productions had shaken a part of the team: "Ten Miles Underwater" was an eruption of technical death and djent, then "Barton's Odyssey" an affirmation of this power. After these superb albums, Jérôme Blazquez (guitar) and Antoine Bibent (vocals) were replaced by Julien Rosenthal and Julien Harp (ex. Deep In Hate). From now on, strengthened or renewed, the band publishes "Nera", a story about the end of times on the continent of Atlantis.
"Nera" is a storm coming from the depths, which sweeps away the technical death metal and gives way to a melodic-technical death. This new direction is visible from the first seconds of 'Full Fathom Five' with the introduction of the acoustic six-string. The record is dominated by beautiful melodies, the rumbling voice sometimes supported by a clear and warm voice. To support these melodic ornaments, 'A New Extinction' begins with aerial layers associated with a snarling voice and a bluffing drumming of fluidity.
The tracks are supported by a technique haloed by beastly power. So even if the opening track starts with an acoustic guitar, it is quickly crushed by murderous riffs stuck in a trying blast. Sydney Taieb offers varied rhythms worthy of Virgil Donati or sometimes like Dream Theater, gives free rein to his desires.
The duet 'The Great Escape' and 'The Great Inscape' is superb. The first track is aerial and full of aquatic sounds while the second one goes back to "Barton's Odyssey" and sums up all the paradoxes of "Nera": softness associated with an ultimate violence, simplicity and technical effervescence.
"Nera" is a superb album in which Atlantis Chronicles takes a new turn and focuses its songs on melody. Everything is good on this modern progressive metal record! Atlantis Chronicles strikes a blow and not content with having already offered two superb albums, they adjust their trajectory and surpass their previous work here.