Seth – La France des Maudits
Seth – La France des Maudits
Seasons Of Mist
14/07/2024
Running Time: 46:22
Review by Oli Gonzalez
10/10
A few weeks ago, I was posed with the question ‘What’s your album of the year?’. I truthfully said that I didn’t think I had found it at that point. However, fast forward a few weeks to now and I may well have found it! Yes, Seth’s latest effort via Seasons Of Mist “La France des Maudits” may well be my album of 2024! I had accidentally discovered the band via YouTube a month ago and was suitably impressed with their live performance. I was then disappointed to see that their upcoming autumn tour with Borkanagar and Rotting Christ wouldn’t be coming to the north of England. Still, getting to listen to this masterpiece a few short weeks before its release more than made up for that! Given their rise to prominence in their native France and across Europe – evidenced by their impressive list of festivals and credentials – I’m sure it won’t be long until they’re in the UK. So, why do I think this is my album of the year?
Simply put, it’s Seth’s unique take on Black Metal! The album has everything you’d expect from the genre; the blistering blast beats, austere atmosphere, and grandiose guitar riffs. Though there’s more. So much more. The dual guitar attack of Drakhian and Heimoth alternate between holding the rhythmic foundation for the rest of the band to build from and forcefully asserting themselves right to the foreground and melodic focal point for the band! I’m always a fan of bands adding keys and other electronic elements of their overall sound. Seth are no exception! Some of the tunes coming out of those keys are aesthetically pleasing and add much welcome dimension, juxtaposing elegantly with the aforementioned Black Metal intensity. I was particularly drawn to some of the more ambient Post-Rock style soundscapes creeping into latter stages of the album. A most welcome surprise.
Vocally, Saint Vicent is flawless! No CVLT shrieks you’d typically expect. Instead, a delightful concoction of fierce mid-range growls you’d expect from a Melodic Death Metal band. Again, adding a unique feature to Seth’s sound. A sound that I’m sure is going to accelerate the band’s career.
So, maybe you haven’t found your album of the year yet. If you’re a Black Metal fan looking for something new, fresh, and more on the post-metal side, you’ll be hard pressed to find anything better than “La France des Maudits” this year.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Paris des Maléfices
02. Et Que Vive le Diable !
03. La Destruction des Reliques
04. Dans le Cœur un Poignard
05. Marianne
06. Ivre du Sang des Saints
07. Insurrection
08. Le Vin du Condamné
09. Initials B.B. (Bonus Track)
LINE-UP:
Heimoth – Keyboards, Guitars
Alsvid – Drums
EsX – Bass
Saint Vincent – Vocals
Pierre Le Pape – Keyboards
Drakhian – Guitars
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Oli Gonzalez and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
