

On March 21, 2024, the band Autolyse, hailing from Villejuif, released their demo titled Vaincre l’optimisme. This hard-hitting work, composed of six tracks, falls within the French punk hardcore scene, blending raw energy with dark and introspective themes. Right from the opening track, Autolyse, the band sets the tone with sharp riffs and relentless rhythms, while the lyrics evoke an intense internal struggle. The following tracks, such as DSM-IV and Bruxisme, continue this exploration of psychological afflictions, addressing mood disorders and nighttime teeth grinding—symbols of a society plagued by stress and anxiety. C.C.S. stands out with its sharp critique of urban decay, condemning the vices that corrode the capital. The chorus, "Burn the capital, deliver us from evil", resounds like a call to revolt against modern society's excesses. With Sarcellite, Autolyse tackles the marginalization of the suburbs, depicting an oppressive environment that drives its inhabitants to despair. Finally, Addenda, a short 22-second track, closes the demo on a cryptic note, leaving the listener deep in thought. Recorded and mixed by Vincent Plomb at Re.volt Studio, then mastered by Will Killingsworth at Dead Air Studio, this demo benefits from a polished production that enhances the band’s intensity. The artwork, created by T. Troisbières and Rémi Pittsburgh, perfectly reflects Autolyse’s dark and committed aesthetic. Vaincre l’optimisme is available for streaming on the band’s Bandcamp page. For a visual and sonic immersion, the title track is also available on YouTube. With this first demo, Autolyse establishes itself as a promising act in the French punk hardcore scene, delivering music that is both powerful and thought-provoking—one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.