ÉCRASÉS PAR NOTRE HÉRITAGE

The album “Écrasés par notre Héritage” by the French band SPLIT BRAIN delves into a range of deep and varied themes, exploring the evolution of emotions through tracks like “De la Colère à la Haine,” which addresses the shift from one emotional state to another, or “Acteurs de notre Déchéance,” which questions personal responsibility and the quest for self, offering a reflection on our role in the events of our lives. “Are we actors in our lives or mere spectators in the lives of others?” wonders Rémi, the band’s singer and lyricist. The irony of the album’s opening track “Il paraît qu’on a déjà tout dit” sets the tone, but SPLIT BRAIN definitely has things to say and to be heard!

“Une fuite en avant” embodies an urgent reaction to adversity, followed by “Et alors on s’élèvera…” which seems to offer hope of transcendence or liberation despite disillusionment. There’s a gentleness to the weighty messages. The melancholy of the instruments is complemented by the almost religious vocals. “Et alors on s’élèvera” as a warning or an inevitability? “Pourquoi ?!!”, the turning point is reached, everyone is involved and will be affected. The soaring guitars sound like sirens warning us, but it’s too late, as the raspy and disenchanted vocals make clear. For a moment, we think we can regain control, but the sirens are already there… “We are condemned”… And we depart, slowly, carried by the bell that seems to compel us to move forward…

The track “Jusqu’à se consumer” marks the inevitable end. It’s over! Life is no more, the violence of the departure is such that it quickly becomes clear that everything has changed. Everything happens so fast, and there’s no going back. Yet, in a moment of lucidity, it’s still possible to take stock. This moment of nostalgia, contrasting with the brutality of the moment, seems frozen in time with these acoustic guitars from another era, completed by an unfiltered, unembellished slam.

With soothing acoustic guitars, the instrumental “Reprendre notre Souffle” offers a moment of contemplative pause.

As the title suggests, the album also reflects on the influence of the past, addressing the repercussions of history on the present and the emotions they evoke, and concludes with a reflection on what we will leave to future generations: “Que croiront-ils ?“.

Together, these tracks form a meditation on the human condition, individual responsibility, and the search for meaning. As Rémi explains: “As the father of a seven-year-old daughter, I realize how much we are dependent on what we have done before. Our heritage is rich but so heavy.”

Recorded with spontaneous live takes and in analog at Studio 180 with Arnaud Bascuñana (Damien Saez, Matthieu Chédid, Les Wampas, United Guitars), the band focused on details, surprises, and extraordinary arrangements. “It was in a climate of serenity that we were able to tackle more complex technical aspects, push more boundaries, and be more daring. The analog recording, often found in Juste Une Trace productions, was chosen to give the sound a very particular texture for death metal,” explains the singer.

Through this blend of thrash and melodic death metal, SPLIT BRAIN’s album “Écrasés par notre Héritage” layers rage and reflection, melodies and audacity.

Il paraît qu’on a déjà tout dit
Acteurs de notre déchéance
De la colère à la haine
Écrasés par notre héritage
Reprendre notre souffle
Une fuite en avant
Et alors on s’élèvera…
… Jusqu’à se consumer
Que croiront-ils ?

Lyrics and Music by Rémi Pierre, Frédéric Acx, Nicolas Dijoux, Damien Marchant, and Nicolas Jeanneteau
Published by AMOC

SPLIT BRAIN
Rémi – Vocals
Nico – Guitar
Fred – Guitar
Damien – Bass
RagnarAco – Drums

Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Arnaud Bascuñana at Studio 180
Photography by Stéphane Chorain
Design and graphic creation by c3po.lette
Production by Juste une Trace
With support from: SCPP
Release date: 10-25-2024