John Doe/Final Alarm
Bitume, 2024
9/10
Listen to John Doe/Final Alarm
An industrial rock outfit from France who don’t need vocals, The Shadow’s Gone Out pair 2 releases into this disc, where the first half is more rock focused, and the back half lands closer to metal.
The John Doe portion leads with “John Doe”, where dense drumming from Julien is met with Anthony’s fluid bass and plenty of soundbites for the energetic landscape, and “Unlucky Young Men” follows with strategic repetition and a swirling intensity that leaves it unclear if you should dance or jump into the pit. “3BY4”, the best selection from this portion, then buzzes with a sci-fi flavor that chugs amid melodic intensity.
The back half leaves an impression, too. “Pills” relies on acrobatic drumming and ambience, while “Sous La Pluie” welcomes grooves to the rich and dynamic delivery. “Alone With A Ghost” and “Whispering Ghost” exit the listen. The former is a bit eerie via the wordless vocals and mysterious ideas, and the latter is beat driven and cinematic in its hard hitting and cryptic presence.
A unique record that also touches on doom, punk and grunge aspects, the use of double pedals and a distinct darkness makes for an atypical, industrial focused affair.
Travels well with: Onioroshi- Shrine; Thy Apokalypse- Fragment Troisiéme