IN HUMAN FORM – Opening Of The Eye By The Death Of The I

Since the term black metal has started being used around just like basil in pesto, sometimes I pause when I read it in a modern context — although the band has been around since 2006 — as in the case of In Human Form. Why? The Internet can be mischievous at times, and imagination can be unlimited when it comes to acquiring new listeners.

So where do these US-based musicians stand, with their second record "Opening Of The Eye By The Death Of The I"? Modern, intense, technical, eclectic and very jazzy: these were my impressions at the first spin. Watching one of their shows on Youtube, their vigor was confirmed. The quintet is all fire and flames when they interpret their music, expertly cook their abundant meat, and even show their secret passion for Voivod.

Progressive sounds rule the scene, accompanied by the tormented vocals by Patrick Dupras. The line between polyphonic rhythms and solos is blurred. The mixture is very demanding for the listener, who can’t afford a single distraction. Getting more in depth, we can discover a wide scenery of notes ranging from English progressive rock to Chick Corea’s jazz rock, rich with surprising moments.

"Opening Of The Eye By The Death Of The I" is a work characterized by complex songs running for over fifteen minutes each, and it can be tough at the beginning. Nevertheless, it will give you gradually more intense and profound sensations, even exciting. Perhaps this is one of the main aspects to stress as black metal, apart from harsh vocals and the usual riffing.