30th March 2024

Review: “Archive 200” by Once Upon the End

As original vocalist Ludovic “Seditius” Lafferayrie exited stage left in 2022 it left a void at the heart of Parisian Melodic Death Metal act Once Upon the End. Left with a choice as to whether to continue on or disappear into the shadows, the remaining musicians chose the path less travelled and with a clenched fist of defiance went in search of someone who could offer them another dimension. After finding Ophélie “Ezalyr” Gass they made the decision to introduce her by re-recording and re-imaging four cuts from their past, each set in a dystopian near future where the world has been ravaged by climate collapse and human society lies in ruins. Immaculately mastered by the world renowned Frédéric Gervais (Pensées Nocturnes, Glorior Belli, In The Woods), that collection is titled “Archive 200“…

…It becomes abundantly clear from the moment “Dying Concrete” roars into life that the band have grasped this opportunity with both hands and taken their time to refine and redefine these songs but one thing they can’t do is deny their roots. The fact is that influences from the Gothenburg scene run deep within Once Upon the End with distinctive flavours of Arch Enemy, In Flames and even Dark Tranquillity permeating each of the four cuts they have chosen for this demonstration of power and prowess, so better to embrace it that shy away? The almost ethnic melodic bridge allowing Ezalyr to offer some sumptuous clean vocals before returning to her usual throaty bark, galloping drums and melodic leads showing the way like the guiding light from a lighthouse. It might not be anything you haven’t heard before but it is done so well that it doesn’t matter. A tasteful melodic introduction brings “We Are the Dead” to life before a rampage through classic Melodic Death Metal riffs during a violent opening half sets the world ablaze. Flamenco influenced guitars in another melodic clean sung centre are spellbinding before racing into arguably the heaviest passage of the record, Ezalyr’s fury a lethal dose of Parisian hatred. Capturing their live energy like lightening in a bottle for science fiction epic “Moon Scavengers” with glorious solos and furious blast beats, Once Upon the End have turned a favourite into something of almost epic majesty that in fleeting moments borders on Power Metal. A testament to their incredible musicianship and ability to create something breath taking, “The Old Ones” takes a leaf from the book of bands like Jinjer and even Infected Rain in it’s uncompromising approach, hinting at a future so bright it will burn your retinas. The chorus is a classic sing-a-long while the verses are punchy and the Progressive Metal instrumental passage in the final third the absolute Chef’s kiss… [8/10]

Track Listing