Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Calva Louise - Edge of the Abyss (2025)
You ever wonder what System of a Down would sound like with Poppy doing all the vocals, plus some South American aspects thrown into the mix? Now you know. Calva Louise is one of the more stylistically diverse bands of this year, crossing over into elements of different genres.
The thing about diverse bands is, you don't know what would work until you try it. And it's quite exciting to give an album like this a spin. Will they add in classical piano? (YES) Will they add in a dash of brutal tech-death? (NO) The point is, Edge of the Abyss is all about unpredictability, the kind that would make you sit down and listen all the way through. It's also a concept album, so the different elements depends on the mood of the story. So let's smash that play button and unleash this fusion of fusions...
"Tunnel Vision" starts with a sweet pop intro, then the rest is an alt-metalcore blast often turning into pop and dubstep. Awesome start! "W.T.F." has frantic progressiveness with a punky pace. "Aimless" is another highlight, really proving the band's unpredictable talent, alternating between Latin flamenco, classical piano, and metal riffing. Seriously, this band needs to be discovered more. My brother and I can't be the only ones enjoying these fun experimental works! "Lo Que Vale" is my favorite track in the more alternative side, shining with Jess Allanic's vocals as she sings in her native language (she's from Venezuela).
"Impeccable" is a great song with more of Jess Allanic's impressive vocals. I gotta thank my brother for recommending this track to me along with "Feast is Over". Then "Barely a Response" continues the earlier progressive punky sound, taking some cues from Coheed and Cambria and later Katatonia. The semi-title track "The Abyss" can pack a punch despite its lack of metallic energy. More of the groove, folk, and vocal harmonies occur in "El Umbral" with some spoken vocals appearing here and there.
"La Corriente" comes out kinda awkward, attempting to add some electronics to stay in your mind but ending up somewhat obscure. "Hate in Me" brings back some of that Katatonia vibe from earlier while being more fun and energetic. "Under the Skin" seems to struggle with its groove, but it's not a total fail.
Nothing's totally bad at all in Edge of the Abyss! However, the first half has more impact than the second half which is still OK. But the album as a whole gives the band the potential of going big, experimenting with different genres to the point where the band is practically their own genre. Many unique bangers here! While not entirely perfect, listeners should give it a shot for some all-out fun....
Favorites: "Tunnel Vision", "Aimless", "Lo Que Vale", "Impeccable", "Hate in Me"