KLONE - ALL SEEING EYE - 2008

Вторая работа французского коллектива. Музыкантам удалось создать свой собственный музыкальный стиль, смешав влияния самых различных направлений (heavy, progressive, grunge, stoner и др.) и отголоски совершенно разноплановых коллективов (MESHUGGAH, OPETH, NEUROSIS, TOOL и др.). При этом, группа использует такие необычные инструменты, как саксофон, арфа и китайская флейта. Меланхолично-депрессивный материал с обволакивающей атмосферикой и частыми хаотическими всплесками. KLONE сформировался во Франции в период 1995-1999. Спустя некоторое время группе удалось заключить контракт с лейблом и выпустить дебютный альбом Duplicate (2003). Через год музыканты укрепили свои позиции макси-синглом High Blood Pressure. Но только на All seeing Eye оригинальный и эклектичный стиль, который нашла группа, проявился во всей красе. Лирика философского характера подчеркивает музыкальную концепцию диска.
В записи одноименного трека принял участие Joe Duplantier из GOJIRA в качестве приглашенного вокалиста.


The succes of the French extreme metal band Gojira since their latest offering ‘From Mars To Sirius’ is big. The effect that they have had on the French metal scene is maybe even bigger. The phrase ‘a new wave of French extreme metal led by Gojira’ in the biography of Klone says it all. Even though labels like these annoy the hell out of everyone, they are not that bad when supposed proponents of the scene produce such a fine and original sound as Klone do.
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It is not even the use of strange instruments like harp, saxophone or Chinese lute per se that does the trick. It is the completely unique mixture of heavy, modern riffing á la Gojira which effortlessly and shamelessly progresses into some form of post-post-grunge. The dynamics with which the band movers between metal, rock and more quiet psychedelic moments (seldom leaving a comfortable mid-tempo throughout the entire record) is unprecedented. The only down point for me is formed by the clean half of Yann Ligner’s vocals, which remind me too much of Scott Stapp (Creed) or the raw voice of Daniel Johns (Silverchair). But all in all, Klone sound heavy, unconventional and surprisingly laid-back, unlike the name suggests they know how to innovate instead of just re-create.

I love this type of music; intense, energetic, heavy and extremely well-planned. This is Klone, and their third CD following on from “Duplicate” which, for some reason I didn't really enjoy and “High Blood Pressure” which I have not heard. France is getting bigger and better metal wise; Gojira & Dagoba, are both absolutely phenomenal not forgetting Scarve of course and now these six people. They all know how to rock.

Klone's “All seeing eye” reminds me a little bit of Tool, and I also hear previously mentioned Gojira here in the heavier parts (by the way, Jean-Pierre Bouquet, who also mastered Gojira albums did a really good job here). If you are expecting to get kicked in the nuts by the riffs from hell and heavy-as-a-road-flattening percussion, you are in the right place. On top of this, you will get soothed by beautiful vocal parts and a little bit of electronic rhythms spiced up by the saxophone. I love this instrument, and the way these guys use it is equally great as my favorite sax stars: Yakuza.

Band members say that their influences are within stoner, metal, heavy rock, pop, grunge and psychedelic music and it's true. Crushing at first, this music goes through the loop of mellow soundscapes and rocky songs which could easily be number ones on MTV if only MTV would play something else other than popular crap. I wonder how Klone performs live – it must be very positive experience? They are passionate and it's not hard to hear it.

My personal hero of this album is vocalist Yann Ligner, whose vocal manner suits my needs perfectly; he is able to sing nicely, and to yell like a crazy weirdo, almost ripping his guts. Good, I like variety in music. They are all talented musicians, to be honest, so I am sure you will find something for yourself if you are into guitar or our beloved saxophone.

Somehow, “All seeing eye” works well as a title here. It tells you everything, as Klone members have seen it all and now they know how to define their influences. This is music for open-minded metalheads, and once again there's not much wrong I could say about Klone's cd. Get it, listen to it, and I think you will like it. It's maybe not the best thing I have heard this year, but sitting with headphones on my head was not a waste of time. Oh no.
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