Label: Satanath Records/Fetzner Death Records
Genre: Black Metal
Length: 40:22
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I adore the French black metal scene. It's an uncompromising scene, with bands that go all the way and don't cut any corners. Today I'm going to talk about The Threshold of Death, the latest album from Dark Plague. Formed in 2004, this French band has released four albums before this one: Perverse Devotion in 2014, When the Last Christians Die in 2015, Sadism in 2017 and Be More or Fade Away in 2019.
The Threshold of Death is an eight-track album lasting 40 minutes and 22 seconds. It is available in digital format and on CD, limited to 500 copies, via Satanath Records and Fetzner Death Records. A black metal album not to be missed! The production, while not perfect, is clean enough for each instrument to be distinguishable. The old school black metal influences are clearly present. As soon as I heard the intro of the track My Name, I immediately thought of Mayhem.
The album exudes a disturbing, oppressive atmosphere. The guitars accelerate to a frantic pace, accompanied by blast beats and possessed vocals. Even the rare moments of respite remain heavy. A several melodies emerge here and there, and there are even passages where the vocals take on a more narrative tone, notably on the first trackThanadoulos, where the voice stands out while the blasts echo in the background. But it's especially on Endless Guiltiness that the blast beats stand out the most, relentless from start to finish, with a very carefully crafted structure. There are also passages of violent thrash, as on The Ogress of Reading.
The vocals are a true signature of this album: nuanced and powerful. On Beyond Threshold of Death, it shifts from a horrific ceremonial voice to piercing high-pitched screams. On The Ogress of Reading, there's a sense of mockery, with chilling bursts of laughter. On Styx, the narrative kicks in after a hellish scream (a moment to remember) that brings the track to a close. And it's on the final track, Défiance, that the vocal performance reaches its peak (just go listen)
Among my favourites tracks is Beyond Threshold of Death, which combines musical violence, incorporates melodies and dark atmospheres. Dead - Tribute to Dead is also captivating with its evolving composition, starting with a loud rhythm before accelerating and offering a particularly expressive vocal performance. Styx also stands out with its sudden accelerations and melodies carried by intense blast beats.
With The Threshold of Death, Dark Plague deliver violent, melodic and oppressive black metal, heavily influenced by the 90s scene. Maybe I'm exaggerating, but if I had to give it a mark out of 10, I'd give it a solid 9.5. Everything is carefully crafted, and it's exactly the black metal that I love. I highly recommend it!
Tour can order your copy on Fetzner Death Records - Website or on the Bandcamp below