Band : Tormenta
Album title : La Ligne Apre
Label : African Tape!
Distributor : Mandaï Distribution
Release date : 07/02/2011
Release : CD

This French Instrumental Progressive Metal act is a new collaboration between drum & cello player Vincent Beyssalance and guitarist Jeff Grimal, who not only already worked on several project in the past, but also do so today. Examples of that can be found with Cheval De Frise, Elusiv, and Let Jesus Bleed.

Formed in 2006, Tormenta (named after the Spanish word for storm, according to the band in an interview), the two have a passion for dark and oppressive atmospheres, something which comes out (mostly) in some of the song titles. The duo released a self-titled 4-track demo EP in late 2008, early 2009 (I'm not sure when exactly)...a release which they promoted by playing several shows, which apparently attracted a broad group of people (the same interview mentions a dad having come along to see his drummer son play in another band, and the man clearly enjoying what he got to hear when Tormenta was on stage).

In their info sheet Tormenta claims La Ligne âpre to be based on a project that retains the vitality and gravity of Metal music, but tends to belong to o definite musical style...and indeed when listening to the album you'll occasionally find Jazzy structures (especially in the drumming). There's also a certain degree Psychedelica in the hypnotism of the wordless soundscapes which is simply captivating. To conclude, I can only repeat the words the band uses itself: “...In the and, the 7 tracks of La Ligne âpre waver between Avant-Garde music and more conventional references...”! True enough, but it's the Avant-Garde part which makes me lóve this project's music. To find out whether you like (or not) what this duo does, check out the two songs posted at (www.) myspace.com/tormenta666. This is the kind of music I'm always fond to come across, and that's why I'm putting it down as an “essential” one in my book! Meaning it'll get added to my year-lists! And if you find this review a bit short to my standards, just know that I preferred more time to enjoy the music. For once, “less words, more music” is the correct sentence to be used.

98/100

Tony.