"Post black metal." Hunh. I wouldn't have thought of that one. Funny thing is, if I were to imagine such a thing, L'Homme Absurde fits the bill perfectly.

L'Homme Absurde Sleepless (self-released)

Blending doom, surprisingly melodic lead guitar work, double-kick drums and growly, yet rhythmic, vocals, these songs are a progression from metal of the past. More powerful and more fluid than old school black metal, these Russian boys have hit upon a real sweet spot. Imagine the Ex playing Emperor, with Adrian Smith blazing away on guitar.

The song construction is still a bit of a blender job, but L'Homme Absurde does a pretty good job of keeping a groove going. And when the guitar and drums team up, the results are often spectacular. The treble-heavy mix keeps the sound lean, and it also makes these songs sound meaner. Not tougher, but meaner.

I don't believe these boys have quite found their sound. With any luck, they will keep trying forever. Pushing the envelope rarely brings about sounds this exciting. Quite a rush.

Jon Worley