Fragment Soul – Galois Paradox

Fragment Soul
Galois Paradox
Label: Wormholedeath
Out: February 23^rd, 2024
Playing time: 27:44

Fragment Soul play Dark Progressive Doom Metal, at least according to the press release. The members of the band hail from Greece and Canada. The more than brief press release speaks of a “unique blend of atmospheric soundscapes and powerful melodies”. And that’s all the information. Almost, at least. The debut album “Axiom Of Choice” was released in 2021, followed by the EP “Galois Paradox” in February of this year.

The album starts quietly with “Eternal Night In Death”. Marc Durkee’s vocals are accompanied by acoustic guitars. Later, the ethereal-sounding voice of Tamara Filipovic joins in. The two harmonise very well together. Later, heavy guitars can be heard. “All That I Despise” continues where its predecessor left off, calm but melodic Doom. At first, a lonely electric piano can be heard before the lower-pitched guitars provide a lot of power. Even if the tempo doesn’t increase. And the deceleration continues. “The Pain Ceased” also starts with acoustic guitars accompanying the vocals. A Hammond wavers in the background. “A Faceless God” sounds powerful right from the start. Later, there is a change to a quieter section. “This Empty Dream” is a quiet ending. And at just over three minutes, it is also the shortest song. The vocals here are underpinned by minimalist instrumentation. Piano and subtle keys dominate here.

I was presented with “Galois Paradox” as an EP. Other reviewers were obviously sent this as an album. Based on the total playing time, I would also tend to favour the first. While several well-known session singers were obviously found for the album debut, above all Heike Langhans, Fragment Soul now have a permanent vocal duo. Both do this very well. Tamara Filipovic in particular impresses me here, as she is following in oversized footsteps. For me as a fan of solemn Doom sounds, the album offers five calm but powerful songs. A successful second album.

Track list:

• Eternal Night In Death
• All That I Despise
• The Pain Ceased
• A Faceless God
• This Empty Dream