On one listen I bought this seventh album by French act Seth, as it had that much impact on me. Of the handful of bands with the Seth moniker this French version is probably the most well-known. However it has been eight years since the bands last album, ‘The Howling Spirit’, rained down on the earth which may mean people have forgotten about them… until now that is.
According to the promotional info this album is a sequel to the band’s debut ‘Les Blessures De L’âme’ released in 1998 making this a very long time for a sequel to appear. The debut was a raw affair but soaked in atmospherics creating a mild symphonic melodic black metal approach as the sequel sees a far more expansive production, which you would expect of course. However what really caught my ear with this album was the empowering riffs and enshrouding ambience that blankets it constantly. The title track slices into the listener from the start with a penetrating riff harnessing a melodic backdrop and very cool tempo deviations, something all the songs benefit from. With mid-tempo alterations the title track really captures what this album is about.
Everything about this opus is grandiose, capturing a melodic black metal essence but blending it with a modern ferocity as the album continues with ‘Métal Noir’. The opening isolated guitar work creates an eerie feeling before smoothly sliding into a superb melodic riffing frame and beat. Palpable tension exudes from the song as the backing atmospherics swell the intensity before the surging blast assault. I especially enjoyed the vocal arrangements swerving from a hoarse croak to acerbic wrath as the song utilises some excellent switches in pace too.
There wasn’t a single track on this album I didn’t like ‘Sacrifice De Sang’ begins with drum work and a bereft guitar riff. The build-up is excellent, embellished with keyboards as the song distils an atmospheric poise before the predicted blast appears. ‘Ex-Cathédrale’ is immense, galloping into life the song is possibly the sonic incarnation of the album cover which depicts the burning of the iconic Notre-Dame in Paris and is an exceptional piece of art. It is the way this band offers apical and nadiral switches in tempo that catch the ear on this song, intrinsically passionate the song has an epic construct.
The third act of ‘Hymne Au Vampire’ appears following the first two that appeared on the debut. With an intense opening the song capitalises on the bands ability to carve out atmospheric riffing as the harsh vocals blend majestically with the catchy riffing. An influx of blast beat strengthens the tracks intensity further right before the song plummets into a double kick assault that is ultra-catchy and imbibed with a keyboard saturation. With alternating blistering causticity the song is a showcase of black metal fervour tempered by subtle melodicism as ‘Les Océans Du Vide’ follows. Luring the listener with its ambient backdrop the song cruises in with a creepy guitar melody before the detonating speed ensues. Truly formidable the song is massively epic allowing that opening guitar hook to infect the whole song beautifully. The pause for isolated guitar riffing only fortifies the song further as the passionate vocals, which really come into their own here, drench the song with ethereality.
‘Le Triomphe De Lucifer’ closes this immense album, opening with isolated guitar the song bristles with an expectance that manifests as the abrupt blasted section. With church like keyboard adornments the song is backed by choral like vocal effects as an acoustic guitar melody is heard in the background. The shift towards a slower pacing, enhances the songs emotive power before the expected speed ignition. Again the song has that inherent melodic touch but with added eeriness as the song unleashes some very addictive drum work to augment its melodic nature.
French black metal has always produced some of the finest ambitious acts around as Seth unleash a gargantuan return to the black metal platform with an album glistening with grandiose sincerity.
(9.5/10 Martin Harris)
Leave a Reply