FRACTAL GATES is a Progressive, Melodic Death Metal band from France. Formed in 2007, “One with Dawn” is the band’s fourth full-length album, and it has fourteen songs. An introductory track to the album “Visions XIII” leads into the first proper song, “Shining Falls.” The sound is very weighted, but also very melodic, and the background is also thick with sound. The verses are more melodic with clean vocals, and the chorus roars in with harsh vocals, and the guitar and keyboard work provides much of the melodies.

“Seamless Days” is another pure banger, and an organic but modern MeloDeath sound is very much energetic and alive so far on “One with Dawn.” The lead guitar work is also fantastic, and I get shades of INSOMNIUM in this song. “Into the Unknown” has an outer-world sound, as the title suggests. The leads lay down much of the sound above the weighted rhythms, and keyboards and clean vocal harmonies elevate the track into the canopy of the heavens. “When the Distance Paints Us” begins with a somber clean guitar melody that is beguiling, as it transitions to a much harder sound with a low end deepness that reverberates underneath the listener. The band carries the torch high and with a firm grip.

“Earthbound” rattles with another strong Melodic Death Metal sound, with elements of Progressive music interwoven into the thread. The clean vocal harmonies only elevate the song even more. “Half Alive” hears the pace slow to a grinding pace rich with backing keys, and through the first half of the album, the band’s creativity shows no sign of slowing down. The sound soaks in slowly, until you are covered in its multi-colored palate. “Visions XIV” is another short connecting song, and the ominous tones continue, perhaps ramped up. The title track is the centerpiece of the album; a song with emotions, depth, and texture. When the band wants to let the melodies flow through you, they do.

“Serenity” is just that…a gorgeous song with plenty of memorable melodies. Yet, the song retains a center as hard as titanium. It makes me alive with pain, alive with hurt, but most of all, alive. “Severance” goes hard and deep, but is not without some very pleasing ethereal moments. “Echoing Motions” has smooth, melancholy tones in the beginning. Like the title, it’s a bit abstract in terms of people not being able to hear motion, but you can feel it for sure. The instrumental “Visions XV” closes the album, and it puts the beast of the album to bed.

In a world where Melodic Death Metal has been overdone, “One with Dawn” proves that magical sound is still out there, and as strong as ever. The album is a perfect amalgamation of melody and heaviness that captivates the soul and electrifies the senses. It's a testament to the beauty of contrast—the delicate interplay between light and shadow, softness and strength, that makes each composition truly unforgettable. Long live FRACTAL GATES!