|P| |A| |R| - A Return to the Epitaph Realm

Ten years after the release of his first album, Lessdmv (aka Julian Larre) invites us to return to the Epitaph Realm for "Epitaph II", a considerably darker and heavier companion to its predecessor.

The album is an emotional journey, with well placed interludes that encourage you to listen from start to finish (as tempting as it is to throw your favourite tracks onto a playlist these days). It is, of course, lyrically and musically stronger than Epitaph (these things come with age and experience) and shows a growth far beyond any previous LDMV release.

If you're an LDMV patron, or if you at least follow closely, you would already be familiar with the album's three singles.

The first offering, "The Sanctuary" (a song I fear I will never tire of), reopened the doorway to the Epitaph Realm. The vocals are a mix of gloomy, dark and brooding, intense, and pleading vulnerability... Musically it is full of clever, catchy hooks that will have you hitting repeat more than is considered healthy.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the music video. During the premier I likened it to "a frozen kiss" - stunning, sweeping shots of a cathedral interspersed with footage of a very cold (but always beautiful) Julian, singing in the snow while asking us to "burn in our lust". It is dissonant and yet it works.

Its follow up, "To Believe", was a complete tonal shift. A lighter, softer melody that would sit comfortably on any radio station (if people still bothered to listen to the radio... perhaps we should settle for Summer playlists instead).

If "The Sanctuary" was a frozen kiss, "To Believe" was a comforting hug during a warm breeze.

And "In The Dark" was simply a slap in the face... In the best, most primal, erotic and explosive way possible.

The first time I heard this song was on an Instagram video of an acoustic performance. My gut told me it was going to be the third single, and my gut was right. I knew it would be very different from the acoustic version, but I don't think I was prepared for how different.

Of course it's heavier, with the bridge literally slamming you against a wall and screaming in your face. There are a lot of vocal acrobatics, which at times feel as chaotic as Julian himself. I've often compared his raspy, clean highs to Chris Cornell (and I'm sure he hates it, but it's a compliment). The rest is just pure demonic Julian.

There's also the little nod to "Alba", the final track of Epitaph I and a favourite among LDMV fans.

In fact there are little nods to Epitaph I scattered throughout Epitaph II... A joining of two times, of two versions of Julian, and exciting little treasures for hardcore fans to find.

The music video for "In The Dark" sees Julian and his brother Charles in a demonic game of chess (think "The Seventh Seal" but sexier, more gothic and less depressing Swedish dialogue).

I haven't quite decided on my own personal interpretation of the metaphor yet... It could take a few more views.

After hearing the full album it seems obvious that these should be the singles that were chosen to represent it... Three distinct sounds that offer a sample of what you'll find when you close your eyes and walk through the door. Deep, lustful tones, sweet, tender moments, and wild, unrestrained power.

Epitaph II is built on a theme of Procession, Ascension and Regression (they also happen to be the titles of the interludes)... Cyclical like death and rebirth, something Julian has always said that he associates with his Epitaph sign.

This feels like a true rebirth... A new, more mature era for an artist who loves to entice with games and mystery, with chaos, love and lust.