It is always refreshing to come across a band offering something a bit different to the norm, and Fabulae Dramatis from Belgium, certainly show distinctiveness with their latest album, “Violenta“. Released on September 7th 2024, the output draws in a wide array of influences, whilst still managing to remain very grounded and connected to its roots. With the aid of the album’s producers, Martin Furia (Destruction / Bark) and Gustavo Valderrama, the musicians have been able to metamorphosise their style into a more Latin/progressive metal approach. A transition that pays off exceedingly well.
The band’s line-up is now only four members strong, consisting of the spectacularly gifted Isabel Restrepo (lead vocalist), along with bandmates Daniel Díaz (guitarist), Teo Dimitrov (drummer) and Marco Felix (bassist). While each cohort is clearly exceptional in their own right, additional credit goes to Isabel, who accepted the challenge of learning harsh vocals for this production. A role that was previously played by Wesley Beernaert in the preceding release, “Solar Time’s Fables“. You would never pick that Isabel is new to the game though, because on “Violenta“, she proves that she can easily rage with the best of them.
You won’t need long to discover this fact out for yourselves, for her sultry sweet serenading in the opening track, “Fabula Violenta“, soon descends to a more hellish timbre – the South American influences proudly exhibited throughout the song, as its raw energy and primitive beats channel Roots-era Sepultura. Isabel’s vocal modulation is not the only shifting aspect in the piece either. The passages also regularly deviate between English and Spanish lyrics. With each change serving to fit a particular mood or expression. A technique that is artfully deployed by Fabulae Dramatis for much of the album’s runtime, and to great effect.
“The Jungle of Ego” engages listeners with some tribalistic chanting, before becoming superimposed with the haunting cleans of Isabel, who infuses a reasonably eerie vibe to this number. Close observers might also notice a sombre message conveyed by the lyrics as the song progresses – providing a cautionary statement about the impacts of social media, and the narcissistic qualities that it so engenders: “Addicted to demise // Victim of modern vice // Damned architect of pain // The human race is vain, so vain!”. “The City (Translucent)” is up next, and it continues the band’s reflection on modern-day society. This time lamenting about our general isolation and lack of connectivity / inter-personal relationships, despite having more technology to assist us in this regard.
A version of this song was originally released as a single in 2020 with the band’s previous bassist Hamlet. But the bass lines were specifically re-recorded by Marco for this album’s release, and he stamps his personality on the track from the very first bass slide. Fabulae Dramatis are also known for their award-winning music videos, having previously won the award for ‘Best Dance Music Video’ at the Cannes Film Awards in 2023 (amongst others). And that visual flair shines through on the video produced for “The City (Translucent)” for its initial release as well – depicting humanity trapped as puppets in a glass prison.
The album continues with “Lead Astray •l• Indigo“, a leisurely waltz of mellifluous elements and calm, acoustic-sounding instruments – its gentle ebb and flow somewhat reminiscent of Jinjer’s “Pisces“, albeit with less aggressive highlights. Although Isabel’s growling is still present at key points during the track, it does not take much away from its overall serenity. Following this up is “River of Despair“, which features a far more buoyant harmony than its title leads you to expect. The rollicking energy of the Guano Apes springs to mind if I had to compare this to something else I’ve heard. While “Pawn Out of Board” and “The Illusionary Spyglass” are the epitome of modern prog / post-metal. The crystal-clear production really emphasising each band member’s individual contributions and virtuoso throughout. There is just no denying that “Violenta” is both a surprising and impressive display of talent. Add in its undeniable uniqueness, and it truly solidifies into a must-hear experience.
Verdict: “Violenta” is a great progressive metal album, with a robust Latin influence, and plenty of heaviness and intrigue, which allows it to stand out from the crowd. With lyrics that also boldly speak to our current situation, and the importance of re-connecting with more traditional values – it makes for a daring release, both creatively and thematically.
