Approaching music with an open mind is often the key to discovery. Should you enter something with a preconceived notion, then you might miss out on something truly unique and refreshing. This case can be raised for the French band known as TSS.
Formerly known as The Sunday Sadness, TSS is a fascinating musical project started by Vocalist Matthieu Kirby in 2016. Kirby, previously a part of a Deathcore, Metalcore, and Pop Punk band, wanted to try something new, thus founded TSS with the intent of mixing various styles all into one. Teaming with John Fine and soon joined by Drummer Hugo Peix, TSS quickly began their journey of experimentation with their 2017 single “The Wrong Way.” Going on to release more music, including their 2019 debut album The Sunday Sadness, their sound hovered somewhere in the realm of Synthwave and Pop. Continuing along this trajectory with 2022’s Regrets, in 2023, they decided to switch things up and interjected a more Alternative Metal sound with songs like “Would you be my therapy?”
From here, TSS continued to metaphorize, signed a record deal with Fearless Records, and began working on new music, culminating in the June 27, 2025, release of their third album, END OF TIME. An album TSS has put a lot of thought and care into, the decision to return to the members’ more Metal roots seemed fitting and the next step forward for the project. Furthermore, preview tracks like 2024’s “KILLING ME” and “DEAD!” (featuring Japanese group CVLTE), before the release of “Something In The Way,” and “Ending Scene” earlier in 2025, solidified that the hybrid they are working with now is some of the most compelling on the Modern Metal scene today.
Explaining what TSS does exceptionally well is their unique blend of Alternative Metal, Synthwave, Pop, and even Hip Hop, which makes them stand out. Dressed in dark melodies and lyrical themes, another aspect that immediately draws your attention is their bilingual approach, where they mix English-sung choruses by Kirby on tracks. At the same time, Fine takes on many verses with French Hip Hop smooth vocals. Giving each song a different dimension, both work well together instead of fighting against one another.
Something that will appeal to anyone who likes heavier music with Electronic and Industrial textures, Pop sensibility, and darker subtext, it is only a matter of time before a broader international audience catches onto this French band. Eager to make it across to North America, TSS’s futuristic sound, matched by fantastical imagery, is destined to strike the interest of many.
With all of this in mind, the thirteen songs that make up END OF TIME yield bold moments, particularly in “Something In The Way” and “KILLING ME,” which boast a simply captivating sound. This is while other tracks, like “In The Haze We Hide,” fit nicely as a more straightforward Electronic Rock offering. “Particles” is an outstanding instrumental, and “So long my friend” is nothing less than surprising, with a simplified, haunting tone.
In the end, if you are looking for something outside the norm that is theatrical, emotional, and curious, TSS and their latest album, END OF TIME, is imperative to check out. That is why Cryptic Rock gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment