Alerion - VII Sanctvaries

I have to admit that I forgot about this release which was sent to me by Le Crepuscule Du Soir Productions a while ago,found it while digging' in the crates the other days,so anyways,better late than never right? I thought I'd give justice to them since they sent me the album.

Alerion which is located in France, released this album 2012,to me they are a new experience.

Their music is what I would call melodic black metal at times a bit melancholic feel to it.

 

It's overall a pretty good album with good variation throughout ,that goes for both music and vocals, which is in the old school spirit in my opinion.These guys do not rush through the album as there are a lot of breaks and calm parts which fits very well mostly.

The only thing I could have been without is the guitar solos at some parts, do not misunderstand me as most of the guitarparts are well done and helps building the atmosphere, actually one might call this progressive at times as it's quite different from what I've heard before, the straightforward metal parts is more 'usual' though and as for the guitar solos I mentioned it's just a tiny part so it doesn't really do any harm to the overall impression.

It's a good album ,but still somewhat predictable at times, they have some excellent ideas here and there though, but apart form that it becomes somewhat boring as I feel like I've heard this many times before, it has that typical melodic black metal sound and for me it becomes to melodic.
I mean one thing is to bring in melodic elements,another thing is overdoing it.

To be honest I found it pretty entertaining the other day, but while listening now I'm somewhat bored.
It's not easy to say if it's my mood or if it's the record.
It's an eight track album and most of the tracks lasts longer than 5 minutes so you get value for the money.If you like melodic black metal I suggest you give it a try as it's not a bad album ,it's just a bit too much for my taste at times.    

          Listen & buy the album here : Le Crepuscule Du Soir

Pagan Blood (France) - Lords Of The Seas,Review

Pagan Blood (France) - Lords Of The Seas




Le Crépuscule du Soir Productions. 2013

This band was formed by Julien previously Heathen Dawn and Hoarfen back in 2007 and released their debut 'The Last Empire' on 2009.
Their second album 'Lords Of The Seas' is now released by Le Crépuscule du Soir Productions.

'Lords Of The Seas' contains 7 long lasting tracks of pagan/black metal.
At first I found it to be way to repetitive and monotone but after some more listens I have to admit it's an overall quite good album,it's not original in any way though,but that's not always the point if you ask me.
The music is mostly mid-tempo with a very melodic approach and is has a very melodic and atmospheric touch to it.
The album has it's highlights in between ,but you might have to listen to it a few times for it to reveal itself and when it does ,you sit with a quite enjoyable album.

Mutilanova (France) Nera Lux 2013 Review

Origin : France

Release date : 5th January 2013

BIO :

Mutilanova is a symphonic/progressive black metal band formed in Grenoble, Rhône-Alpes, France in 2002. The current lineup consists of M.Svärhandis (keyboard), C.Avskrius - (lead guitar), S. Mørkhød - (drums), Dypentord - (bass) and Karnesis - (vocals). Past/former members were Bjellothorn - (bass, Yldumigus (guitars), Voldr - (guitars) and Sylvain - (rhythm guitar).

 

It's the first time I listen to this band and have no knowledge of their debut album.

At first listen it's obvious that these guys have put alot of effort into the term 'symphonic' black metal as they don't hold back on the use of various synths,maybe a bit too much at times for my taste.

 

The album is very well produced & played and again very melodic.

I have nothing against the use of synths and effects used in black metal but as said this is a bit 'over the top' for my personal taste,but their fans and people into Old Mans Child,Dimmu Borgir,Kovenant etc,etc will probably love this.

 

It's not a bad album ,I just think it lacks originality & personality as this has been done so many times and for me becomes very predictable and boring in the long run.

 

When the synth seems to be the lead instrument more or less on the entire album except for the typical Nighwish solo's one should certainly not call it black metal...

It sounds like the musicians are rushing through the entire album as a 'routine' and thus lacks soul and identity,not that I expect something mindblowing everytime I put on a new album,but this seriously becomes boring before I'm even done listening to it ,and right now I just sit and hope for the album to be finish so I can go on with my life.

 

Not Recommended!

Strynn (France) - Decadence

Style : Black Metal

Origin : France

Year : 2012

Label : Mortis Humanae Productions & Le Crépuscule du Soir Productions

I got this in the mail amongst other stuff from Mortis Humane Productions that has somewhat surprised me with some decent releases lately.

The latest arrival was the for me totally unknown band Strynn with their debut album 'Decadence' after releasing a split with the progressive black metal outfit Galvauder anno 2012.

I usually don't talk to much about album covers ,but when I received this and looked at the cover I found it very appealing in many ways,so simple,obscure and old-schoolish in many ways and of course let's get to the main point ...It fits the the atmosphere this album creates while listening.

I must confess that when the first track started spinning I knew this was worth a listen,the only thing I was excited about was the vocal,as the first track were instrumental but luckily they did not ruin the overall impression so far,and the hate fact here has to be that I actually had no idea whatsoever that a female was responsible for the vocals! I read in the cover that there was a female involve but thought it was some additional opera like vocals and what a relief it was to find out I was wrong. Cause that would destroy this album totally!

Musically this band plays pretty forward black metal 90's style and according to the cover it's supposed to invoke hatred,pain and similar feelings,as for me this is just a good album at least considering it's their debut.

I have listened through the album twice now and could easily put it on one more time...

If you look for something 'new' my advice is simply to fuck off as this is not original in any way but they score some points ,due to the fact that they have created a very good album that truly awakens the good old black metal feeling with simple but very catchy riffs and all in all a very enjoyable piece of art.

Cold,harsh,at times brutal and well executed black metal from the darkest depths of France. 

I have to quote a line from their lyrics 'Close Your Eyes And Listen'

Recommended !

Strynn Facebook

Mortis Humanae Productions

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