Do(e) - 2022 - Serial Killer

(44:00; M&O Music)




















Track list:
1. Just Another Night 1:49
2. The First Time 3:47
3. Dream at Dusk 9:18
4. Serial Killer 7:14
5. The Chase 4:33
6. Fame 4:33
7. What If...? 3:33
8. The Corridor 5:53
9. Enfin 3:20

Line-up:
Sébastien Bazille - bass
Sylvain Champenois - guitars
Christopher Geneville - guitars
Stéphane Maurice - drums
Olivier Michelot - keyboards
Tiphaine Raimbault - vocals
Stéphane Walch - vocals


French band Do(e) has a history that goes back 15 years or thereabouts, first coming to some prominence with their debut album "Cold Night in Paris" back in 2008 according to their bio. Following a long break from the recording studio the band returned with the album "Serial Killer" in 2022, a production that was released by French label M&O Records.

Melodic heavy metal with a bit of an 80's vibe is what we get on this production, following a more cinematic opening to this concept album. The riffs are solid and melodic, we have a subtle use of keyboards as a dampening and atmospheric laden presence, and the guitar solo runs and overlays tend to be flowing and melodic. The songs will at times have a couple of different phases to them, often with a gentler and more atmospheric laden interlude, and the band aren't hard to ask in adding some subtle theatrical details to the proceedings either. A recurring one being dampened operatic style backing vocals.

A lot of the draw of these songs comes in the shape of the rich and powerful voice of Stéphane Walch. As a singer he reminds me of Geoff Tate more than anything else, and that association is one that emphasizes the similar association I get with the music and even the concept explored here. Do(e) have a stronger foundation in traditional heavy metal though, and don't have the more distinct progressive orientation of Tate's old band Queensryche, but for those that love and treasure an album like "Operation: Mindcrime" there are a few similarities to be found for sure.

Once upon a time Queensryche was described as the metal band to listen to for people that don't like heavy metal. While Do(e) as of 2022 isn't quite inside of that particular pocket, this is a metal band that should have a reach also beyond a traditional metal crowd for some of the same reasons: The band has an ear for good melodies, create compelling moods and atmospheres and they have a vocalist with a rich and broadly appealing voice. Otherwise I also suspect that quite a few fans of 80's Queensryche might find this production to be quite the enjoyable experience of course.

Olav M. Björnsen, February 2023

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Doetheband
https://www.m-o-music.com/

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