Experimental metal is a genre I never grow weary of. Between the creativity and unpredictability, it keeps me on my toes and piques my interest throughout. Igorrr is one of the best bands to perfect this, and Amen is a continuation of this bizarre and incredible musicianship and compositions. With some menacing piano and synth work, ethereal choirs, and harsh vocals on top of stellar riffs, exceptional drum work, and just all around some of the best instrumentation music has to offer, Amen takes you on a weird and wild ride you will not want to get off of. It will be released on September 19th, 2025, through Metal Blade Records.
Igorrr started in 2005 with multi-instrumentalist Gautier Serre, setting the pace for something unique and peculiar. With this release, Serre (guitar, programming, instrumentation, vocals), JB Le Bail (harsh vocals), Erlend Casperson (bass), Martyn Clement (guitar), Marthe Alexandre (operatic vocals), and Remi Serafino (drums) set the groundwork for this magnificent album. They also have a guest appearance from Mr. Bungle‘s Trey Spruance on the track “Blastbeat Falafel”. I have found myself drawn mostly to the heavy and strange feeling and sound of “Headbutt”, as well as the extreme adventure “Mustard Mucous” brings to your earholes. The album transitions to a beautiful acoustic guitar melody on “Etude n*120” and haunting piano work and vocals on “Silence”, which is an alluring way to end a significant musical experience. When you add in their completely off-the-wall, quirky, and fun videos, you have a recipe for one of the best gifts music has to offer.
JB was kind enough to speak with Metal Nation and discuss this album, as well as his importance to mental health and many other topics. (If you are viewing from your phone, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click “View Desktop Version” to gain video and interview access).