Review: “Dies Irae” by Maps and Foils

“Without a lucky star, with rage, we burn. Discover ‘Dies Irae’, our new three-track EP! If the first extract ‘Infernal’ bowed to 90s metal, the title track is a post-metallic cavalcade highlighting Thomas’ guitars recorded just before his departure. Between two texts haunted by destroyed relationships and heavenly anger, we didn’t forget to infuse some fun into our post-core with a cover of System Of A Down, like a return to the parent company before tackling the next cycle” ~ Maps and Foils

As the statement from the Paris France based Post-Hardcore quartet Maps and Foils reads “Dies Irae“, which translates from the Latin to “Day Of Wrath”, is the last offering to feature guitarist Thomas Viveret. That leaves bassist Ewen Brunet, drummer Lucas Lagravette and vocalist and guitarist Tristan Renet (who also mixed and mastered the record) as a trio for now and whether they seek a new riff lord to join them remains to be seen. Curiously enough, drums were recorded at HF music studio in April 2023 with guitars, bass and vocals done at Nenuphar Studio around the same time for the new creations but drums for their System Of A Down cover go further back. They were recorded at Studiomatic in Paris in December 2020 meaning that they were laid down during the sessions for the bands 2021 album “Less Is Mort” and confirming that this record truly is the completion of a cycle before the start of the next.

Whether or not the gradual evolution of the Maps and Foils sound to embrace other sub-genres had anything to do with Viveret’s exit stage left is a mystery but having one last record with the line up complete is very much an intriguing prospect. A powerful statement piece written in the bands native tongue that weaves it’s way between delicate Post-Hardcore melodies with a hint of the ache of anguish and crushing Botch inspired raw sounding guitar passages, “Infernal” is the perfect Juxtaposition. Renet sings and screams his way through the lyrical narrative with aplomb, capturing the essence of the energy of their live performances so that this one draws you in with its counteracting elements while stirring the soul at the same time. Painting equally as bleak a picture “Dies Irae” hits hard after a meandering melodic introduction and clever false ending, the lyrical narrative one that means that for Renet the live performances are pure catharsis. After a heavier passage a meandering mid section that leans on Progressive ideas, effectively splitting the track into two distinctive styles that flow very well together, creating a wave of energy to surf upon. A testament to time well spent in the rehearsal space, the melancholia that runs through this one is masterful, showcasing just what the band are capable of when they put their minds together. Flipping the script, the bands cover of “Innervision” is the ideal counterpart to the other tracks, it’s relative simplicity and straightforward nature sonically by way of comparison making it stand out. Maps and Foils have also done their own thing with it to a certain degree, beefing up the guitars and dialling up the tempo to make is a more intense experience. A gem of a record, this feels like a Jewel in the crown of French Post-Hardcore that needs to be witnessed first hand [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Infernal
2. Dies Irae
3. Innervision (System Of A Down Cover)

“Dies Irae” by Maps and Foils is out 20th May 2024 and is available over at bandcamp.