post hardcore / post rock
It's strange how bands and fans from across the Belgian language barrier often have no idea about each other's existence. For years, Walloon bands have been relatively unknown in the Flemish region and vice versa. Luckily, in recent years that seems to change. One example is this noisy ensemble from Liege. A few years ago, they delivered a massive set in front of the mainstage at Dunk! Festival and this years they almost destroyed the forest with their intense blend of post hardcore, noise rock and post rock. They were there to present their new album, 'Veil', which is quite a destructive piece of work.
If I had to organise my music collection according to genres, I think Ilydaen would end up right between Russian Circles and AmenRa. The songs combine the atmospheric elements of post rock with the explosive bombast of hardcore, here and there enhanced by screams. Above that, you can find influences from mathcore, noise rock and progressive rock, all blended into seven typically Ilydaen tunes. That being said. I've seen them live and I've heard their previous work and I have to say, these guys are growing as a band. They are becoming better at what they do, something which they beautifully showcase on a masterpiece like 'Aura'.
In all, 'Veil' is an excellent album, a worthy follow-up to their highly acclaimed 'Maze'. They no longer seem to care about genres and restrictions. Instead, they grab their instruments and do their very best to come up with something immersive and intense. And in that, Ilydaen have certainly succeeded. I can only recommend this album to all fans of progressive and intelligent rock music. So if you haven't checked out this album, be sure to do that and to get your hands on a copy. You'll be amazed by the sheer amount of talent this little country has to offer...
Serge
If I had to organise my music collection according to genres, I think Ilydaen would end up right between Russian Circles and AmenRa. The songs combine the atmospheric elements of post rock with the explosive bombast of hardcore, here and there enhanced by screams. Above that, you can find influences from mathcore, noise rock and progressive rock, all blended into seven typically Ilydaen tunes. That being said. I've seen them live and I've heard their previous work and I have to say, these guys are growing as a band. They are becoming better at what they do, something which they beautifully showcase on a masterpiece like 'Aura'.
In all, 'Veil' is an excellent album, a worthy follow-up to their highly acclaimed 'Maze'. They no longer seem to care about genres and restrictions. Instead, they grab their instruments and do their very best to come up with something immersive and intense. And in that, Ilydaen have certainly succeeded. I can only recommend this album to all fans of progressive and intelligent rock music. So if you haven't checked out this album, be sure to do that and to get your hands on a copy. You'll be amazed by the sheer amount of talent this little country has to offer...
Serge
