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The Reticent - The Oubliette CD (album) cover

THE OUBLIETTE

The Reticent

 

Experimental/Post Metal

4.18 | 77 ratings

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sepia_blob
4 stars The Reticent is the experimental/post-metal outfit of multi-instrumentalist Chris Hathcock. 'The Oubliette' is the fifth and also last to date studio album by this project from United States.

This is a concept album, which is a stirring autobiographical tale about the tragedy of Alzheimer's disease. Clocking in a bit more than an hour, it contains 7 tracks, which represent 7 stages of the mentioned pathology. Each of the compositions is unique in its own way, perfectly complementing the previous one. The instrumentation and vocal parts are diverse, ranging from soft to heavy, simplified to complex, calm to aggressive, sometimes a bit chaotic (makes sense considering album's subject). Great dynamics. There are places where the music is interrupted by passages from interviews - this adds to the understanding (and atmosphere, because those words depict some sad and even horrific moments) of the story. I would not say the production on this album is perfect, but it's quite solid (props to Jamie King)

From what I've gathered, with this work Chris tried to capture the confusion, anger, fear, and despair that such an incurable disease as Alzheimer's brings. I would say that he managed this task exceptionally well. I can't say I like this album enough to give it 5 stars (it is more like 4,5 for now), so I have to give it more listens and see if I'll change my mind.

This might be the best metal album of 2020

sepia_blob | 4/5 |

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