Le Reverie: Dark Symphony

Le Reverie is a gothic metal band pulling from Symphonic Orchestras and the best elements of modern heavy metal. They have managed to take to sound of Evanescence and bring it to a whole new level; at once aggressive and melodic. They are clearly not afraid to push the boundaries of what is considered metal.

The first track is a string section playing a brooding intro setting up the title track, Dark Symphony. Jeff Marlow shreds with a tight and compressed sound and yet full of crunch.

Setting up the next song is a melodic keyboard intro by The Mysterious ‘O’,  that is reminiscent of Faith No More's music.

The 3^rd track Twisted is a wicked song, beautifully sung by Allie Jorgen, just a bit of gravel when she needs it and nestles right in with the dark instrumentation.

Ghost of You is a beautiful Ballad somewhat recalling 80’ Heart but really doesn’t deliver the way I think it could. They do reprise it at the end with a version much more compelling. Where the first version seems empty with only a piano and string arrangement behind the vocals, the reprise picks it up in the bridge with guitars and drums, ever so subtlety and it finally  becomes the song it should've been in the first place, leaving me to wonder why the first version was included. However, the rest of the album more than makes up for it.

Le Reverie, the signature track of the band is definitely influence by the nu metal band ‘Disturbed’ in a very pleasing way and is readily followed by Hall of Mirrors, another sonic powerhouse, which I think perfectly highlights the vocals, notable is Dark Secrets, which and an element of 80’s goth and something like Cindi Lauper meets Joan Jett. I must say my favorite track is Pleasure and Pain, which could've easily been a Dio number.

The album as a whole wanders through phases of ‘Disturbed’ and ‘Faith No More’ while dipping into ‘Testament’ soundscapes that I believe any metal fan will love. What I love about this band is their absolute knowledge of dynamics and that each song allows a different member of the band to shine. While many bands seem to be a one trick pony, La Reverie can bring epic scope while stripping it all down and nearly pulls it off with perfection. It is, in my opinion a healthy addition the goth metal scene and if they keep it up, they will soon be a force to be reckoned with.

4 out of 5 skulls covered with black candles.

The purchase the album, click here:

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/lereverie1