Review by Adam M on June 13, 2017.

Violet Cold performs a more black metal oriented version of what Alcest sounds like. This offers a different viewpoint to how the music is done. There are some very strong black metal undercurrents to be found here, but also some strains of the shoegaze element. The shoegaze part of the band makes them sound dreamy and ethereal. This is the part that sounds more similar to Alcest in nature. The black metal portion makes them a bit more raw and gives them a commanding presence. The overall combination makes for a strong disc that could be oriented in either direction.

The best part of this music is the strong atmosphere it conveys. This portion of the music makes it a feel good type and brings it into another dimension. The atmosphere is one that is brought on by the great guitar playing of the outfit. I must mention that is the best portion of this disc as it gives off the ethereal aura that overshadows the drum performance. Still, the musical performances on this disc are top notch. The problem with the disc lies in the fact that it isn’t dedicated enough to either the shoegaze or black metal style to give it the kind of presence the best work by Alcest contains. It is simply a great combination that falls a bit below that band’s best output.

Still, the elements of the music are strong on their own and create an effective mood at most moments. This is a disc that fans of black metal and shoegaze will both embrace greatly. One needs to look no further than the dreamy Lovegaze to see the shoegaze side of the band while the first track Anomie demonstrates their black metal side. It’s this melding of genres that makes Anomie such an interesting and worthy album.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10