From the country of France comes Progressive Melodic Death Metal band INNERMOON, who present their debut album here which contains eight tracks. Being a new band, there was very little information out there on the web about them. I was introduce to them on a Facebook group page where someone shared the song "Harmony" on YouTube. So, let's get to the music here and forget about any additional formalities. "Sleeping's End" is a brief introductory song that leads to the aforementioned track. Piano, strings and some spoken word are done with a despondent sound, seguing into "Harmony." The sound is heavy from the start and those dual guitar harmonies remind you that this is indeed Melodic Death Metal. It is a well-crafted song with emotional peaks and sparks of melodies throughout, reminding me of the mighty INSOMNIUM. They certainly do not sound like musicians who are new to the genre however. Indeed, the weeping passages of ambient music reverberate in your memory as much as the aggressiveness does. Some of the Progressive elements come into play with their rhythmic changes, which are fascinating and impressive.

"Children of the Moon" has a pensive opening that is really quite pretty. The clean guitar strings and background atmosphere lead into a fading in electric guitar that is soon joined by harsh vocals, bass, and pounding percussion. It is weighted and brutal, but tempered with strong guitar melodies and clean vocals. The entirely of the song has a noble quality that is just wonderful. "From Nothing" is another short instrumental that pushes a more dream and delicate sound that is marvelously sad. It leads into the next song "Pride," which is another rhythmically charming song that has an element of sophistication that is immediate. One thing these guys know how to do is connect the various passages with intelligence but also in a way that is easily understood.

"Will to Live" is more straightforward in its delivery of a powerful, barbarous sound but is still not lacking in melody. I find the programming and ambiance added really enhances the sound as well. "Fallen" is an extended track that is slower but not lacking in fervor. The lyrical message is great as well: "Do your best and you will see a sun shining as a billion stars...the future could be as bright as the moment you saw the first light...be born again and live as a walker." "The End" is the aptly titled closing song. Soft rain and distant rumbles of thunder are the backdrop of the peaceful guitar chords. Like good Post-Metal, the beauty is in the atmosphere created with simple instrumentation and progressions that echo in the landscape.

Is there room for another band in this genre that can bring a fresh, forward-thinking sound to give strength and revitalize the core of what we all enjoy about Melodic Death Metal? For INNERMOON, there most definitely is. The foundation of the genre is something that their album "Cloud Walkers" is very reflective of, but the addition of some Progressive elements really captures a more modern approach. The future is bright for this band for sure, as this is an outstanding debut album.