Misfortune - 2024 - Collapsing Serendipity

(40:03; M&O Music)

Track list:
1. War Psychos 3:23
2. Survival of The Schoolyard's Fittests 2:49
3. Bloodless Family 3:48
4. Your Children Will Die in Pain 3:48
5. Drugs Are Forever 4:17
6. Depression as a Threat 3:43
7. Economical Eugenism and Modern Slavery 3:22
8. Hypothetical Meritocracy 3:27
9. Government-Infused Fear 4:06
10. Mutagenous Industry 3:39
11. Party Is Over 3:41

Line-up:
Guillaume Gandon - vocals
Clement Sujdovic - strings
Krzysztof Klingbein - drums
Benjamin Bellard - bass


French band Misfortune was formed back in 2023, according to what I can read on the label website, and this corresponds with the information available on the band's Facebook page. Little other information is given about this venture by the band itself, other than that the main composers appears to be Gandon and Sujdovic, and if any further information is available from the band then this is well hidden. The label does have a full line-up stated though, so one might surmise that this information is correct.

Extreme metal is the style explored by this band, and they have a little bit of a novel twist to their exploits in these territories. The vocals occasionally draw in impulses from aggro hardcore traditions as well as elements from the more typical growl tradition in extreme metal, creating a more menacing vocal presence. At times, with what appears to be dual vocals to emphasize this.

As many other extreme metal bands to, Misfortune will alternate between slower paced, more doom metal oriented passages and more frenzied and aggressive extreme metal displays. With more of a lo-fi and brutal execution given an emphasis in the mix and production department that adds a more rough and ready mode of delivery and presence to these landscapes.

Where this band then takes a sharp step to the left is by applying various synthesizer and electronic expansions to their songs. Sometimes as more subtle additions to the arrangements, but also with sections that mix electronic and metal half-and-half as well as passages that have more of a purebred electronic expression. Minimalist techno and jubilant and playful techno motifs with a more vital expression are both present, with some industrial and EBM and possibly also EDM inspired details along the way. With these electronic components being markedly more elegant sounding parts of this package, and establish a very strong and stark contrast to the metal sections present. As well as creating some intriguing landscapes when the more brutal metal and elegant electronics share the limelight half-and-half, obviously.

While this isn't a band that manage to play around with and explore these markedly different styles of music in a manner that manages to create a deeper interest for me as a listener, there are certainly songs here that feature intriguing parts and interesting combinations. And while personal taste in music obviously only can say so much, the impression I'm left with is that this will be an album with a more distinct niche appeal. One of those albums that will be regarded as unique and invigorating for the right people, but that may well leave others feeling a little bit lukewarm.

Those who generally find it interesting to encounter a more lo-fi minded extreme metal band mixing it up with a more elegant display of electronic music should find this album an interesting one to become familiar with I gather. And those curious about the end result of such a combination may want to take a listen to this album too, as I suspect there aren't all that many bands out there combining these rather different types of music in such a contrast-oriented manner.

Olav M. Björnsen, November 2024

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