Band:	Lantlôs
Album:	Wildhund
Style:	Post-rock, Atmospheric black metal
Release date:	July 2021

01. Lake Fantasy
02. Magnolia
03. Cocoon Tree House
04. Home
05. Vertigo
06. The Bubble
07. Amber
08. Cloud Inhaler
09. Planetarium
10. Dream Machine
11. Dog In The Wild
12. Lich

Before I continue with my review of Lantlôs's new album, Wildhund, I feel it's important to note their previous album, 2014's Melting Sun, is my 2010s album of the decade. So ever since it has been announced, Wildhund has been my most anticipated release over the last 7 years. Does it deliver? "Pleasantly surprising" is my first take, and after many listens, "genius" is my last impression.

Lantlôs head honcho Markus Siegenhort and Neige of Alcest have been long credited for elevating the post-black/metalgaze subgenre; incorporating shoegaze elements into their brands has pushed the musical boundaries face-first directly into light, airy, and sublime territories. Wildhund continues this embarkation with short songs between the mid-to-up-tempo range flashing chugging riffs and ambitious melodies. Characteristics of alt metal, post-rock, and beautiful soundscapes are at the forefront, and this formula is used in most places throughout. The timeline seems a bit wonky, but Markus's 2013 project Low City Rain, a coldwave, '90s dreampop, and shoegaze outfit, revealed hints of this inevitable trajectory.

Replaying the album reveals much more, which is the genius behind Wildhunt that elevates it. The mixing and production are perfect; I can pinpoint any area of every song at any time. It's full of lush guitar tones, mostly double- and triple-layered, and soothing clean vocals, which aid the songs beautifully; Markus has really improved his delivery from Melting Sun. There are also ethereal hooks and bridges evident in every song (save the ambient "Cloud Inhaler"). These things together are what make every song stand on its own and make them memorable. Wildhund needs immediate, uninterrupted, and undivided attention. Put the phone down. Put your headphones on, lie down, close your eyes, and soak it all in. There are so many facets to discover.

The war rages on in social media and metal webzine forums everywhere: dedicated fans wanting their favorite bands to stick to the sound they have become accustomed to versus unwavering fans wanting the sound to evolve and break away from album after album of samey-ness. Here is the thing with Wildhund: I think it can appease both sides. At first, it doesn't sound like Melting Sun, but after indulging in its high-quality replay value, it certainly does.

Genius.