Halfway into 2024 and the metal world has seen an excellent share of new releases from most genres, particularly black metal’s more up and coming subgenres such as cosmic and oceanic black metal. But in terms of identity, the scene that has birthed some of the most memorable albums so far is France. This is a black metal community I have had my share of reservations over owing to the sketchiness of some of its most famous acts and the behaviour of some of its most renowned members. (And I’m not talking about just Neige and co.)

Personally, I am leaning towards France giving us this year’s top album and the third studio album from Inherits the Void is one mighty fine contender for that position. What this year’s output has shown me is the wide versatility of the French scene and opened up new understandings of the country’s metal talent. Inherits the Void are the latest project to symbolise the atmospheric might of their nation’s scene.

From start to finish, this one-man project have got all the best elements of atmospheric black metal covered. When listening back to it the second time before scribbling this, I realised just how much Scars of Yesteryears reminded me of the legendary Nordic act, Windir. The electronics blended into the ever-galloping melodies made me think of the darkest and most beautiful sides of life, the universe and everything.

Whilst I’ve been of the opinion that there is too much atmospheric black metal nowadays, it’s only fair for each nation to have its most noteworthy act to represent that area of the black metal scene. And now, having seen a wide array of French bands from all over the BM spectrum in the last 6 months, I think Inherits the Void ought to be carrying the atmospheric black metal torch into battle, as this album as well as being laden with themes of nostalgia and relaxation tendencies, packs one hell of a punch in the way black metal can be violent yet atmospheric simultaneously.

Replay value is another thing to look out for when deciding on a good album, and Scars of Yesteryear is the type that doesn’t outstay its welcome, nor feel like the artists was getting up themselves when showcasing their talents. You’ll want to hear this piece over and over, and then wonder where the last 45 minutes went. Whether or not you dig the French scene, I’d say you should give this one a shot if you love fast yet melodic atmospheres in your metal collection.

(8/10 Demitri Levantis)

https://www.facebook.com/inheritsthevoid

https://avantgardemusic.bandcamp.com/album/scars-of-yesteryears