Named after a style of theatre existing during the first half of the twentieth century, dedicated largely to themes of grotesque random violence and insanity, Le Grand Guignol seek to create a musical montage, an auditory equivalent to the disturbing insanity of these plays.
This by and large is achieved, and is unquestionably the albums greatest strength.
From the albums overture openning, to it's final demented gurgles it creates an air of claustrophobic madness, that is truly a mind altering experience.
To create the ethereal moods surrounding the loss of sanity in what constantly feels like a victorian madhouse, an impressive array of song structures, sound colours, and harmonic variations are used, making it an album that constantly maintains interest and excitement through it's multifaceted compositions.  The ear is never allowed to rest too long in one point, and unlike the random and crude (if not effective) time changes of much extreme metal, the timbral and tempo changes are treated with great care and subtlety, creating very smooth transitions and changes of mood that creep up on you sideways, rather than bludgeoning you over the head.  Indeed the sheer scope of orchestration on this album, and the skill in the counterpoint is enough to make it an instant classic.
From tearful descents into depression, through manic pyschoses, and deluded moments of grandeur, the music is both orchestra and actors, and you are easily swept along with the wildly veering moods.
Full metalheads may find the guitar sound a bit light on compared to the likes of emperor or dimmu borgir, but unlike these bands, where the guitar tends to overwhelm all else when it enters, Le Grand Guignol appear to use heavy metal guitars as just another sound in their already impressive palette, allowing a clarity that means the music breathes far more effectively than if it was drowned out by guitars chewing into every spare decibel of compression.
Forget metal hammers bullshit score, look at all the other figures for a real representation of what this band deserves.
A fully realised, impressively composed and executed piece of beautiful art.
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I am a big cradle and dimmu fan, and what you are doing sounds awesome!!
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Interesting style of music, unique sounds and brilliant album concept! Excellent shipping service. Thanks, I recommend it!
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A cd to my heart! first time i heared it there was this bonechilling sense going through my spine, Wich is verry verry good! keep on going like this!!! (*twitch*)
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