Appearing on an unassuming CDR just on the cusp of deadline this was one that could have been left for next month but then I played it and that notion was dismissed. This was recorded in a bona fide Norman Abbey at Sainte-Crox; what the monks thought of it is anyone’s guess as this deeply ritualistic affair recorded using just electric bass, synthesizer and vocal chants is not quite the religious devotional sound they are probably used to. Running at 40 minutes and divided into four parts this is perhaps more in essence a single track and certainly should be approached as such.
Although seemingly an established band now, as far as this recording is concerned it is the sole affair of Friar Stéphane and this is the sort of sound that makes you want to bow down in penance and worship it. It is easy enough to lump it in with drone doom circles but there are parts that really hark back to the early days of black metal mainly due to the keyboard presence. The bass at first is thick as tar and strums and pulsates heavily in the mix, vocal chants warp around it and passages are long, mesmerising and meditative. If you don’t lose yourself in this down tempo fervour you will find yourself in a section with monotone voices building and summoning something dreaded with their unholy chants. Doom and gloom are enforced by a long bass guitar chord, you have to be prepared to settle down and just let the minimal feel flow over you, not a lot is going on as this is played but it is quite relaxing to listen to. Once bass and vocals are done it is time for the keys. Although they have been heard quietly lurking in the background, now they take centre stage for a passage of Burzum etched atmospheric darkness. This is quite haunting and also owes a lot to old 80s’ horror movies, perhaps John Carpenter or Rick Wakemen’s theme from The Burning. Flowing onward with layers of heavy bass fuzz and more eerie chants we finally arrive at the end of this journey with the tolling of bells, dawn has perhaps broken.
This is really an album for the dark; candles and incense are all that is necessary for it to be really enjoyed. It is an effective and highly atmospheric experience and one that lovers of minimalism, film soundtracks, ambience and low end doom should all find rewarding. Only 100 copies are available from Doomanoid Records so if this sounds your thing, grab it quickly.
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