Epheless – Promesses

French black metal act Epheles returns from a twelve-year hiatus with their aptly titled album, “Promesses” (Promises). This atmospheric offering promises a descent into icy soundscapes, spiritual exploration, and a touch of melancholy. Let’s embark on this introspective journey, track by track, and see if “Promesses” fulfills its promise of a captivating black metal experience or leaves us longing for something more substantial.

Track-by-Track Descent into the Abyss:

• Les Souillures Du Temps (The Stains of Time): The album opens with a blast of icy black metal fury. Treble-picked guitars weave a tapestry of despair, while Malphas’ raspy shrieks pierce through the sonic onslaught. The song’s length allows the atmosphere to build, creating a sense of impending doom. Lyrics, though veiled in mystery, hint at the passage of time and its inevitable toll.
• Ombre et Abîme (Shadow and Abyss): A shift in mood emerges here. The tempo slows to a crawl, allowing space for a haunting melody to intertwine with the distorted guitars. The melancholic atmosphere perfectly captures the feeling of descending into darkness. The lyrics delve deeper into the introspective themes, exploring the human condition and the allure of the abyss.
• Le Visage de la Folie (The Face of Madness): A return to a more aggressive approach. Blast beats propel the music forward, while Nephtys’ ethereal clean vocals add a layer of chilling beauty. The song’s frantic pace reflects the descent into madness, a possible consequence of confronting the abyss. The lyrics explore the fragility of the human mind and the ever-present threat of losing oneself in the darkness.
• Cathédrale Souterraine (Subterranean Cathedral): This track throws in a touch of grandeur. A slow, epic tempo lays the foundation for soaring guitar leads and a powerful chorus. The music evokes the image of a vast, subterranean temple, a potential symbol of the dark forces being explored. The lyrics remain cryptic, but the sense of awe and dread is palpable.
• Brumes Hivernales (Winter Mists): A return to a more atmospheric soundscape. Distorted guitars create a swirling vortex of sound, while ethereal whispers add to the unsettling mood. The music perfectly captures the feeling of being lost in a frozen wasteland, a metaphor for the emotional journey undertaken. The lyrics, if present, are nearly inaudible, further emphasizing the sense of isolation.
• Promesses (Promises): The title track closes the album with a sense of melancholic resignation. A slow tempo and minimalist instrumentation create a sense of desolation. Malphas and Nephtys’ vocals combine for a final, mournful cry. The lyrics, while shrouded in mystery, seem to suggest that the promises made were ultimately empty, leaving only despair in their wake.

Verdict: 3.5 out of 5

“Promesses” delivers on its promise of an atmospheric black metal experience. Epheles excels at crafting a sense of icy dread and melancholic introspection. The music is well-composed, with each track contributing to the overall narrative arc. The performances are strong, with Malphas and Nephtys perfectly embodying the emotional extremes of the music. The production is raw and lo-fi, perfectly capturing the band’s underground spirit.

A minor point to consider: Listeners who prefer a more dynamic and aggressive approach to black metal might find “Promesses” a bit too slow-burning and repetitive. The reliance on atmosphere over songwriting might also leave some wanting more.

However, for fans of atmospheric black metal with a strong emphasis on mood and atmosphere, “Promesses” is a rewarding listen. Epheles successfully transports the listener to a desolate emotional landscape, offering a glimpse into the abyss within. This album is a welcome return for the French veterans, and leaves us eager to see what dark promises they hold for the future.