Although black metal musicians are not exactly known for cracking jokes, French band Déluge were apparently partly joking when they decided to tag their music and themselves as “untrve black metal”. In doing so, however, they have, probably unintentionally, nicely aligned themselves with other black-metal-producing countrymen. French black metal, you see, has always been a bit different. Déluge might be “untrve” in comparison with their Northern brethren, but their music fits neatly into the brainier, more avant-garde French variety of black metal.
After releasing their debut album Æther in 2015, Déluge, a six-piece from the Northeast of France, now return with their second full-length Ægo Templo. The album cover, in pleasing aesthetics, references a medieval worldview and establishes a visual connection to the previous album, being obviously designed by the same artist. And the album’s music is also a continuation of the band’s first effort – it is built from the same two main ingredients: black metal and post-hardcore.
Most of the time, Ægo Templo sounds strong, mighty, massive and dramatic – at least that’s the impression that will stay with me. The loud, hoarse male vocals decisively add to that picture. However, there are many elements that refine that image. One of these elements is the album’s layered soundscape which includes additional instruments, such as keyboards and on one track a saxophone. They create extra levels and represent more complex emotions besides brute force. In addition, there are numerous rhythm and tempo changes and quieter interludes diversifying the compositions. Natural sounds can also be heard on multiple occasions on the album, especially the sound of waves rolling in and crashing on the beach. The aggressive/loud parts are therefore appropriately balanced with calmer/quieter elements in various forms to create an enjoyable, even exhilarating listening experience.
The lyrics, written by vocalist Maxime Febvet and performed with a lot of emotion, are in French. Unfortunately, French is not among the languages I speak well enough to understand what is being sung, but according to the press info the album’s words focus on “the work needed to be done to be better – or more accomplished – persons”.
To summarize: Ægo Templo is an emotional, somewhat heavy-hearted but in no way depressive listen. The song structures are too complex for the tracks to have hit potential, but there are definitely passages you’ll want to listen to again and again. My favourite track is Baïne, track number seven, where double vocals function as the lifeblood of the composition. Excellent!
Emotional, passionate and impressive. I like it.
(8.5/10 Slavica)
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