Spleen XXX, the French cold goth post-punk band from Rouen, comprised of singer, songwriter, photographer Isthmaël B. and instrumentalist Stéphane G., builds anticipation for the forthcoming 11-track sophomore album, “Agony of a Shadow,” slated for release on September 12th via Meidosem Records, with a video by Isthmaël Baudry himself for The Cure’s “Pornography” era-streaked, thrilling second excerpt, “Into The Abyss”.
A bleak, restless, frantic dirge that makes its relentless ritual way on taut, jolting drum patterns and doomy, leaden bass lines, ruthlessly stabbed by thick, scathing, and glistening guitar riffs, injecting visceral jagged pain into the sparkling abysmal darkness around anxiously haunted vocals, falling lonely and desperate “Into the Abyss.”
The black and white DIY video by Isthmaël Baudry blends a soul-stirring natural setting with translucent overlays and kaleidoscopic editing to sync seamlessly with the metaphysical soundtrack. An old rustic river where timeless ghosts roam sets the liminal backdrop for a journey “Into The Abyss.” A hexagonal portal filled with dark waters leads to a strange inner room where mirrors hang, reflections become inverted, and a person stands tall in a tribal mask.
Spleen XXX‘s second full-length album, “Agony Of A Shadow,” is due out on September 12th via Meidosem Records. Limited edition of 50 copies with an unreleased signed and drawn card, standard at 250 copies, are already available for pre-order on Trinity webzine & Meidosem Records.
Photography by Laëti Tia
