![News Added Feb 06, 2015 The album’s opener, “A Fleeting Bliss,” is a perfect example of the many faces of The Will of a Million, both tender and feral. Crashing cymbals set the pace beneath guitars and synths that dance around each other in a beautiful whirlwind, evoking the same ethereal sensation I hear in […]](https://hasitleaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Cover7-320x320.jpg "The Will Of A Million : Les Étoiles")
The album’s opener, “A Fleeting Bliss,” is a perfect example of the many faces of The Will of a Million, both tender and feral. Crashing cymbals set the pace beneath guitars and synths that dance around each other in a beautiful whirlwind, evoking the same ethereal sensation I hear in bands like Lustre, yet halfway through the song takes a turn towards the darkness. I’ve come to view this song as the appropriate introduction to an album whose title translates to “the stars,” as I picture the opening as a gorgeous sunset leading into the true darkness that follows. True darkness, however, has true beauty. Even at its blackest moments, howling vocals and churning guitars fighting over blasting drum, The Will of a Million allows thin rays of moonlight to peek through from behind the clouds.
While the songs are certainly cohesive on this album, The Will of a Million makes a point to let each piece of music exist in its own space, ensuring no filler moments. Still, true highlights come in the well-crafted vocal drone experimentation of “03.825-01″ and the towering beauty of “As We Float,” which I have the honor of sharing with you today. The longest track on the album, “As We Float” opens with ethereal chords and haunting wordless vocals, perhaps an unintentional nod to Parker’s fascination with progressive metal legends Opeth. Regardless of influence, he has clearly put in enough work here to prevent his love of certain sounds to fall short in terms of originality. The Will of a Million’s sound is decidedly its own, although as someone who has studied the project and its creator for the past year or so, it’s interesting to see the musical anatomy of this enchanting project. After the initial build, the song kicks into triumphant, blossoming black metal brilliance. There aren’t words that fully capture the feeling or sound, but even at its most furious moments, “As We Float” carries a peacefulness seemingly bred not of contentment but of acceptance of circumstances. The Will of a Million’s calm beneath the chaos is often its truest strength. In the Oregon wilderness, the night sky is unaltered by light pollution. Will you set aside your thoughts and lose yourself in the dark tapestry of Les Étoiles? The Will of a Million seems certain of it.
