The French black metal scene is one of the most remarkable scenes in the genre. I’ve always liked French black metal for its raw authenticity and uncompromising underground spirit. One of the most memorable releases that caught my attention this year is the album Chapitre 1: La chute by the Lille-based one-man band Philéas. This project is the work of the guitarist from the band Dark Plague. The album was released as a digipak CD via the German label Fetzner Death Records.
Throughout the 44:27 and across the 9 tracks, Philéas delivers an album that is true to the spirit of French black metal. The opening track, Au commencement, begins with a melodic and captivating composition. Generally speaking, the rhythm is slow, almost doomy and heavy, with hypnotic melodies. Fairly frequent tempo changes serve to counteract the monotony of a uniform rhythm. A heavy, progressive composition, as heard on the track Vox Mortis. Other passages are more atmospheric and disturbing, such as on Je suis eternel from 3:28 onwards and on Le visage de la honte from 2:14 onwards (a section or passage that I would describe as closer to an experimental style)
The guitar performance evolves and offers the listener a variety of sections. Most consist of captivating melodies. There are a few subtle solos, such as on Arrogance & Décadence from 2:57 onwards. There are also more doom-influenced compositions, such as in the first four minutes of the track Lame de vérité. The drumming, on the other hand, is minimalist, featuring cyclical patterns.
Overall, the vocals are strident and sharp. There are narrative passages, such as on Je suis éternel from 3:57 onwards, or on L’antichambre. I think the best vocal performance is on tracks such as Lame de vérité and Vox Mortis, particularly from 1:59 onwards on the track, where the performance is more abrupt.
The moments and tracks I particularly enjoy whilst listening are the track Je suis éternel for its disturbing atmosphere, its progression and its vengeful aura. There’s also the track Lame de vérité, which I like for its gloomy atmosphere blending doom metal with black metal, as well as for the vocal performance. On Vox Mortis, I particularly enjoyed the section from 3:47 onwards (an epic piece showcasing instrumental and rhythmic mastery). I also enjoyed the track D’enfer!, which brings this chapter to a close with an abyssal composition.
Chapitre 1: La chute is an album I must recommend to black metal worshippers. It’s an album I’ve enjoyed not only for its instrumental and vocal performances, but also for its poetic lyrics (I’m convinced of this cause I have a degree in French). An authentic black metal album, not too brutal or raw, and not overloaded with melodies: it strikes just the right balance. "Il faut garder en toute chose la mesure" (French proverb)
You can order the album on Fetzner Death Records Website or on the bandcamp below