Review: “Galois Paradox” by Fragment Soul

Recorded at Lychnia Tube Studio in Greece, mixed by Linus Corneliusson (Fates Warning, Haken, Amorphis) and mastered by Tony Lindgren (Dark Tranquillity, Enslaved, Between The Buried And Me) Fascination Street Studios in Sweden, “Galois Paradox” represents an ambitious undertaking in Progressive Doom Metal by Fragment Soul. A concept record that delves into the enigma of existence and the mysteries of the human psyche, it intertwines thematic elements of mathematics, philosophy, and existentialism. Based on the life of Évariste Galois, a brilliant French mathematician who died tragically young but left a profound impact on abstract algebra, it finds the band pushing the boundaries of convention in mesmerising fashion…

Stirring the soul from almost the first note “Eternal Night in Death” gives both Marc Durkee and Tamara Filipovic the chance to shine against a soundscape of Melodic Progressive Metal that threatens to burst into something heavier but never does. Instead the Fragment Soul cultivate the dark and melancholic movements they create, pushing the envelope in a similar direction to bands like Oceans of Slumber and Swallow The Sun. Captivating and almost ethereal, the bands musicianship is impeccable, the layers of sound offering depth and texture that astounds with grace and poise. Delicate piano adds another dimension to “All that I despise“, the power of Durkee’s clean vocals only serves to enhance the thoughtful lyrical narrative, the lack of any flamboyant moment allowing their enchanting nature to penetrate the brain. Filipovic’s absence is intriguing without being troubling, the purely clean sung approach working incredibly well with the almost cinematic soundscape. You can picture embellishments of orchestration should the band so desire before the delicate “The Pain Ceased” takes hold with warmth and sorrow. At its heart is a moment in which both vocalists combine to stunning effect, while the sinister moments of musicianship keep you on edge, as if a jump scare could happen at any given moment. A rich melody ensures that the pain of the lament that is “A faceless God” is heartfelt without being raw, the delicate layering of the sound offering the opportunity for nuances to rise to the surface over multiple listens. Blurring the lines between music and abstract art, thought provoking lyrical narrative is as deep as the bands Progressive Doom Metal is enthralling. While it is a journey that you won’t want to come to an end, it feels fitting that Filipovic is given the limelight for “This Empty Dream“. Accompanied by keys alone her vocal performance is as stunning as it is sobering and may leave you starring into the middle distance in wonder at what you just heard [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Eternal Night in Death
2. All that I despise
3. The Pain Ceased
4. A faceless God
5. This Empty Dream

“Galois Paradox” by Fragment Soul is out 23rd February 2024 via WormHoleDeath Records with pre-orders available over at bandcamp.