For over a decade now, Landmvrks have carved out a distinct place for themselves in the modern metalcore scene. Hailing from Marseille, France, the five-piece band has consistently pushed the boundaries of their sound, blending aggressive metalcore with nu metal influences, touches of French hip hop, and a flair that’s unmistakably their own. Following the critically acclaimed Lost in The Waves (2021), the band returns with their fourth studio album, "The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been", set for release on April 25 via Arising Empire.
The timing couldn't be better, Landmvrks are currently at the top of their game, enjoying massive attention and a steadily growing global fanbase. Their streaming numbers speak for themselves. On Spotify, the band nears the 1 million monthly listeners mark, while the music videos for the five singles released ahead of the album have already gathered over 2.5 million views on YouTube. The anticipation surrounding this record is high and for good reason. Conceptually, "The Darkest Place I’ve Been" follows the protagonist on a harrowing descent into hell, undergoing both physical and psychological transformation, as the band explains. It's an ambitious and emotionally charged premise, and based on what we’ve heard so far, the execution lives up to the hype. The new material showcases a more refined yet intense version of Landmvrks, heavier, darker, but also more dynamic and confident than ever before. Every track released so far raises the bar, hinting that this might just be their most complete and daring work to date. Before diving into my full impressions of Landmvrks’ latest beast of an album, I need to take a moment to highlight the stunning cover art. Created by Guy Mishima, it’s truly one of the most beautiful and striking artworks I’ve seen on a release in recent memory.
"The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been" opens with its title track, a calm
intro that gently ushers the listener into the band’s atmosphere and sonic
palette. That serenity quickly gives way to a blast beat-driven storm, followed
by the kind of seamless, dynamic shifts in tone and tempo that Landmvrks have
mastered over the years. Even from this first track, it’s clear that the ride
ahead will be intense. Next up is the already-familiar “Creature,” the first taste we got of
this new chapter when it dropped over a year ago and my personal favorite on
the album. Starting with a burst of French rap, the song evolves into a
flawlessly structured metalcore anthem, with a chorus that refuses to leave
your head. This track is also a great moment to spotlight frontman Florent
Salfati, whose vocal range is seriously impressive. Whether he’s screaming,
singing clean, or straight up rapping, he does it all with power and finesse and
what’s even more exciting is how well he pulls it off live.
Track three, “A Line in The Dust,” features none other than Mat Welsh
of While She Sleeps, one of my favorite Metalcore bands. From the moment the
collaboration was announced, expectations were sky-high, and thankfully the
result doesn’t disappoint. The WSS influence is present but blends beautifully
with Landmvrks’ own sound, making this a track you’ll want to keep on repeat. “Blood Red” is the band’s most recent single and feels like classic
Landmvrks through and through, smart transitions, heavy riffs, hardcore
breakdowns, a killer chorus, and yes, more of that signature French rap. It’s
eerie, energetic, and without a doubt, one of the album’s strongest offerings.
Up next are “Sulfur” and “Sombre 16,” released together with a
unique dual video clip that’s well worth watching. “Sulfur” ends with a short
but memorable outro one of the album’s standout moments and “Sombre 16” acts as
a brief interlude, just over a minute long. It’s a clever, French-language rap
break that adds texture and unpredictability to the flow of the record.
Then comes “The Great Unknown,” arguably the most pop-core moment of the
album, featuring a cathartic mid-song climax that immediately brings to mind Chester
Bennington of Linkin Park. Florent’s vocal delivery here is so hauntingly
reminiscent of Chester that it gives you chills but it still feels unique to
Landmvrks. It's another track that sticks instantly and begs for repeat
listens. “La Valse du Temps” (The Waltz of Time) follows, probably the
most emotional song on the album, and the longest one too. The constant
build-up and crescendo that peaks around the 4:15 mark is masterfully done,
keeping the listener locked in throughout. Compositionally, it’s rich, layered,
and genuinely moving.
Things take a fiery turn with “Deep Inferno,” one of the most energetic
and aggressive cuts on the record. The vocal flow is fast and razor-sharp, and
the whole song feels tailor-made for live chaos. It’s textbook Landmvrks in the
best way possible, intense, polished, and perfect for the pit. “Requiem” might just be the heaviest, darkest, and most relentless track
on the album. Its atmosphere leans into Heaven Shall Burn-esque
territory, with a punishing chorus and thunderous instrumentals. Special shoutout
to Kévin D’Agostino, whose drumming across the album, and especially
here, is inventive, tight, and consistently impressive. Finally, the album closes with “Funeral,” a piano-and-synth-driven
ballad that feels like a haunting outro after the storm that was “Requiem.”
It’s unexpected, vulnerable, and shows just how versatile Landmvrks can be when
they step outside the genre’s usual boundaries. A bold and beautiful ending to
an emotionally intense journey.
With "The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been",
Landmvrks prove they’re not just here to stay, they’re here to lead. This is a
record that pushes boundaries without losing touch with what makes metalcore
thrilling: raw emotion, technical power, and a fearless blend of genres. From
brutal breakdowns and trap beats to heartfelt ballads and explosive choruses,
the album doesn’t just hit hard, it stays with you. There’s a palpable sense of
evolution here, both in songwriting and performance. The band sounds more
focused, more mature, and more confident than ever. It’s a landmark moment for
Landmvrks, and arguably their most complete work to date. If you’re a longtime
fan, this album will feel like a reward. If you’re new to Landmvrks, this is
the perfect place to dive in.
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