The past two years have been pretty solid for French post hardcore group This Deafening Whisper. Their first full length album “Duodecim” dropped this past week after their first EP “A Matter of Knife and Depth” set a buzz for the newcomers. With only being a band for two years, my expectations were not set too high for this album. After listening to the first three tracks, I realized the talent that these gentlemen can harness. 
This Deafening Whisper takes elements of various musical styles such as hardcore/metal and infuses occasional electro beats with piano notes. When a post hardcore band switches things up from the typical chug chug chug insert breakdown here approach, it gives them a larger appeal. Uniqueness in this industry is tough to find, especially here in the United States.
 

“Awakening To The Sight,” the opening instrumental track, sets the calm before the storm of this whirlwind album. While this tactic is commonly used, This Deafening Whisper made the track seem natural as it flowed into the heart pounding song “The Curse.” The transition between these two tracks reflect the band’s name perfectly. They know the appropriate times to whisper and when to make the music so loud, it makes your elderly neighbors complain.

 
Speaking of embodying the band’s name, they continue the trend with their lyrics. There is the obligatory “I hate everything, let’s get angry” lyrics that is a staple for any metal band but also metaphorical lyrics that contain actual meaning. “Deadly Antagonism” and “Siren’s Strain” are two clear examples of this lyrical value regardless of the screaming vocals. 
 
“The final hit exploded it/ shattering you to pieces leaving me here next to a wall/ opaque and mute/ You were the one the scale of all evils were tipped on but 6 feet underground/ both our legacies fade and rust,” vocalist Alban screams on “Deadly Antagonism.” The balance of meaning and passion is perfect and needs to be more inclusive in other upcoming bands.
 

However, the album has some misses. “Aesir to Mankind” is a forced transition unlike “Awakening To The Sight.” It acts as a droning one minute filler that could have been replaced with something else or omitted all together. It does not make the ending of this album cohesive. “Datura” also seems slow to me. I felt bored and pondering switching to a different track before it concluded. 
 
Overall, “Duodecim” is a consistent album that should put The Deafening Whisper into the international eye. I look forward to hearing more from the band soon and perhaps they could venture across the pond to the United States someday. Bonne chance pour l’avenir (good luck in the future)  The Deafening Whisper.
 
-Fe