REVIEW: Ash Twin Project - Tales of a Dying Sun

Ash Twin Project, a progressive metal band from Agen, France, has created an impressive debut album with Tales Of A Dying Sun. Combining elements of post-rock, progressive metal, and cinematic storytelling, the band crafts intricate soundscapes that are both thought-provoking and emotionally evocative. With members who have honed their skills in bands like Prophetic Scourge, Titan, and Silent Opera, Ash Twin Project brings a wealth of experience to their music, resulting in a sophisticated and immersive listening experience. From the first note to the last, the album takes listeners on a journey that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

The release opens with 'Cœlacanthe', an immediate attention-grabber with its grating guitars and dynamic shifts. Lead vocalist Eg Scargot delivers a captivating performance, showcasing her impressive vocal control. The song seamlessly transitions between heavy, orchestral elements and softer, more introspective moments, featuring a delicate piano melody and strings around the three-minute mark. This interlude creates a poignant sense of wonder before launching into an electrifying guitar solo that pairs perfectly with the driving drumwork. The track effectively sets the tone for the rest of the LP, highlighting the band’s ability to blend genres and moods. The interplay between melody and aggression is executed masterfully, making for a very strong opening track.

The shortest track on the album, 'The Wilds', takes a more restrained, ethereal approach. Scargot’s layered vocals add an otherworldly dimension to the track, perfectly complementing its atmospheric instrumentation. The song progresses naturally, moving from calm, ambient sections to more intense passages featuring abrupt, wild screams. This dynamic structure mirrors the unpredictability of nature, evoking the imagery of wandering through a forest at dusk, with the last remnants of sunlight lingering in the air.

Closing out the release, 'Moon' begins with an underwater-like audio effect that gradually fades, revealing confident, driving guitar lines. At times, the instrumentals can feel slightly overwhelming in comparison to the vocals, but the overall composition remains strong. The track encapsulates the thematic and musical elements present throughout the LP, making for a fitting and impactful conclusion. The song’s ending is particularly effective, as the instruments slowly fade into silence, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of reflection. It’s a powerful closer that ensures Tales Of A Dying Sun ends on a memorable note.

Ash Twin Project’s Tales Of A Dying Sun is an impressive debut that highlights the band’s artistic vision and technical prowess. The album’s ability to weave together intricate compositions, emotional depth, and thematic storytelling sets it apart in the progressive metal landscape. While there are moments where the production could benefit from slight refinements - particularly in balancing instrumentals and vocals - the overall execution is strong. What stands out most is the band’s ability to evoke emotion through both their songwriting and performances, creating an experience that feels cinematic in scope. This release positions Ash Twin Project as a band to watch, and it will be exciting to see how they evolve in future works. Fans of progressive and atmospheric metal should keep a close eye on their journey, as Tales Of A Dying Sun is a testament to their potential.

Score: 7/10

Tales Of A Dying Sun will be released on April 4th 2025 via Klonosphere Records.

Words: Jason De Mendonca

Photos: Ash Twin Project