-ii- (pronounced “two eyes”) hail from Nancy, France, and Apostles of the Flesh (Self-Released) is their second album. For this release they have ventured away from their previous electronic approach and into something more organic performed by a full band. Indeed, joining the core duo of Hélène Ruzic (vocals) and Benjamin Racine (guitars, basses, synths, percussions, kayamb, xaphoon, bouzouki, piano) are Maxime Keller (basses, synths, prepared piano) and David l’Huillier (drums, percussion).

As one might expect, given such a lineup of varied instruments, Apostles of the Flesh is a densely layered work. Traditional-sounding melodies played on acoustic instruments weave in and out of synth layers, huge guitars, distorted bass, and pounding drums.

Ruzic’s voice is the focal point of these songs. Sensual and graceful but also somewhat menacing, her vocal lines soar above the rich sonic tapestries that form the tracks on Apostles of the Flesh.

Apostles of the Flesh isn’t really a metal album, although it will no doubt appeal to open-minded metalheads. Indeed, the music here is difficult to neatly categorise. Elements of post-Rock, Gothic Rock, Shoegaze, and Industrial Metal are all detectable, but -ii- manage to move beyond their influences to create a sound that is their own.

The album’s production (handled by Racine, who also recorded and mixed the record) is crisp, clear, and heavy. Each instrument has its own space to breathe within the thickly layered whole. The sound is intense, direct, and potent.

There are many notable moments within Apostles of the Flesh. “Lotis” has Ruzic’s frantic screaming juxtaposed against atmospheric shoegaze textures. “Sisyphus in Red” has traditional-style melodies interspersed with trip-hop rhythms that slowly build into a manically cacophonous soundscape. The middle section of “Pearls Beneath the Embers” features an epically anthemic riff that demonstrates -ii-’s ability to craft a strong and catchy hook. The skittering, slightly off-kilter rhythms of “Sisters of the Coven” are set against memorable vocal harmony refrains. “When Beauty is a Crime” (which surpasses eight minutes) showcases -ii-’s ability to use myriad sonic layers to thunderous and haunting effect.

Apostles of the Flesh is a record rich with delicately intricate composition and powerful songwriting. It comprises songs that are both structurally epic and emotionally intimate. It is an album that envelops the listener and takes them on a journey through the unique world of -ii-.

Buy the album here:
https://linktr.ee/_ii_two_eyes

8 / 10
DUNCAN EVANS
Follow his work here: