Obviously a simple umlaut on their name is not enough for this band. Comprising of four gents and a lady and hailing from various parts of France, not a huge amount is known about them other than the fact this is their debut album and that vocalist Jerry is also throat-piece for Les Chants de Nihil. They have taken a rather epic approach to initiate themselves on the unsuspecting with four lengthy numbers clocking in at a combined running time of 35-minutes. Musically theirs is a doomy take on blackened metal with an epic and somewhat pagan sounding air about things.
Once the intro tones of opener ‘In The Crimson Smoke’ clear and the drums hammer in with frenzied relish one thing that is immediately evident is what a fantastic full-bodied production this album has. It really does wallop away and absolutely packs a punch from all instruments and the at first snarly, gravid vocal approach. This rises into ceremonial lofty croons and the music slows around them counterpoised with speedy flurries and hefty reverb-ridden death belches. It’s all highly effective as it moves between urgency and tempered classic doom flavours, something for everyone basically, this is doom for those who like it dished up with a slice of extremity. ‘Pilgrim On The Path Of Tears’ starts sluggishly with gurgling eldritch vocals, there’s darkness dripping atmospherically as the coarse growls spread and then hit the rafters in all their glory. As the PR states there are similarities to Primordial here that cannot be ignored at times but the ever-expressive vocals are constantly changing in their clamour and are an impressive focal point. The band around them are in constant motion too and the changes in ballast and pace have the songs seemingly over well before one would expect from their lengthy running times. There’s nothing stale or boring about this in the slightest as a sudden volatilely, charged yell of “Go” attests.
‘Bathed In Sunlight’ with slow and low bass-work at start builds with thick and rugged riffs and a humungous oratory display rising to the very heavens. The actual sunlight itself is explored by some sublime guitar melody sparkling away and giving the song an airy sense of finesse to coast along on. I can see why this is the first song to be published prior to the complete album; it really draws the listener into its depths and displays some great harmonies to fixate on. The title track closes things, all too quickly with a mid-paced bouncy groove and a black n’roll kind of temperament that’s going to have heads moving in appreciation. Complete with some Ghosty sounding chants and then some more of that venomous drum battery it gets right in your noggin and practically entices you to exuberantly sing along to it.
My one complaint is that I would have welcomed another song here as I enjoyed the album a great deal but then again it’s always a good idea leaving your audience hungering for more and anticipating things to come. Coming pretty much out of nowhere Ǥứŕū have hit the ground running here and created a great first impression. Hopefully the album will get the attention it duly deserves.
(8/10 Pete Woods)
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