The pioneers (and last survivors) of French dark noise rock just released their seventh album “Deathly Silence”, thanks to the support of an assembly of independent labels. Being able to say that Membrane has enjoyed success and recognition over the past 25 years, whether as guests at major festivals or playing thousands of people, would make me very happy. However, the Vesoul foursome’s music is not for everyone (perhaps it’s better that way), even more so as our society is slowly but surely destroying humanity in deafening silence.
Pourtant la qualité de “Deathly Silence”, comme les six albums précédents, est belle et bien au sommet de la créativité du groupe, osant l’incursion du français dans ses textes, tel un spoken word pour appuyer plus fort le message. Alors oui, on n’écoute pas Membrane pour faire la fête ou trouver du réconfort. Mais noirceur ne veut pas uniquement dire désespoir et abandon. Nous sommes ici à la croisée des chemins entre le constat glaçant et désespérant d’un monde en phase d’autodestruction, et l’envie, le devoir, de se lever et de se battre pour renverser le destin que l’on veut nous forcer à accepter.
Like their six first albums, the quality and creativity on “Deathly Silence” are reaching peaks, with the unexpected use of vocals sung in French, like a spoken word that toughens the message. One does not listen to Membrane to find comfort. Yet darkness doesn’t just mean despair and abandonment. We’re at a crossroads here, between a chilling, despairing observation of a world in the throes of self-destruction, and the desire, the duty, to stand up and fight to reverse the fate we’re being forced to accept.
The songwriting is subtly thought out to take us through different states, rising in power to the point where everyone chooses their way out, on the edge of the precipice. Membrane know how to build the moods slowly, captivating the listener and taking them right to the end of the story, regardless of any track length consideration. Note the vocal register, as it’s rare for the French language to marry so well with heavy music. And yet Membrane uses it as a matter of course, the power of their words heightening dramatically over their visceral sound. It’s hard not to want to fight when the apocalyptic drums of “Earth” burst in with force, barely giving you time to catch your breath before throwing yourself into a battle for the survival of our species and our environment.
This world hurtles towards the abyss in deathly silence, and it’s up to you whether you slavishly accept the outcome or fight for the human condition. If wandering through the smoking ruins where the remains of humanity lie is not what you want, if fighting is your choice, then go ahead and change your destiny. Membrane will be at your side until their last breath, and certainly not in silence.
Last modified: 17 February 2025
