🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Mandragores
Track 2: Kamarde
Track 3: Limbus Puerorum
Track 4: Caffa
Track 5: Le silence est d’ordre
Track 6: La fin aux misérables
🎸 Album Review:
Karne’s latest offering, ‘Condamnés’, is a haunting and immersive journey into the depths of dark and atmospheric black metal. The French band has truly outdone themselves with this release, delivering a work that is both musically intricate and thematically rich. ‘Condamnés’ is a six-track album that delves into themes of despair, anguish, and the human condition, all wrapped up in a sonic tapestry that is as captivating as it is unsettling.
From the opening track, “Mandragores,” Karne sets the tone for the album with its ominous and foreboding atmosphere. The track slowly builds in intensity, with layers of dissonant guitars and thunderous drums creating a sense of unease that sets the stage for what’s to come. The haunting melodies and guttural vocals add to the overall sense of dread that permeates the album.
One of the standout tracks on ‘Condamnés’ is “Kamarde,” a relentless onslaught of blast beats and razor-sharp riffs that showcase Karne’s technical prowess. The track shifts seamlessly between frenetic aggression and melancholic melodies, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The haunting clean vocals that appear towards the end of the track add an extra layer of depth and emotion, further highlighting the band’s versatility.
“Limbus Puerorum” is another highlight of the album, with its brooding atmosphere and intricate guitar work. The track ebbs and flows, moving between moments of intense fury and haunting beauty. The contrast between the harsh vocals and the melodic instrumentation creates a sense of tension that keeps the listener on edge throughout.
On “Caffa,” Karne slows things down a bit, allowing the bleak atmosphere to fully envelop the listener. The track is a masterclass in creating mood and atmosphere, with its sparse instrumentation and haunting melodies evoking a sense of desolation and despair. The whispered vocals add an extra layer of intimacy to the track, drawing the listener in and refusing to let go.
“Le silence est d’ordre” is a more introspective track that sees Karne delving into more experimental territory. The track features haunting spoken word passages and ethereal clean vocals that add an extra layer of depth to the music. The atmospheric synths and subtle percussion create a sense of unease that lingers long after the track has ended.
The album closes with “La fin aux misérables,” a powerful and cathartic track that serves as a fitting conclusion to the journey that ‘Condamnés’ takes the listener on. The track builds to a crescendo of emotion and intensity, with Karne pulling out all the stops to deliver a truly unforgettable listening experience.
In comparison to Karne’s previous albums, ‘Condamnés’ represents a significant evolution in the band’s sound and songwriting. While their earlier work was more straightforward and aggressive, ‘Condamnés’ sees the band embracing a more atmospheric and experimental approach. The result is an album that is more nuanced and layered, with each track offering something new and unexpected.
Overall, ‘Condamnés’ is a stunning achievement for Karne, showcasing their growth as musicians and songwriters. The album is a masterclass in atmospheric black metal, with its haunting melodies, intricate compositions, and emotionally charged vocals drawing the listener in and refusing to let go. ‘Condamnés’ is a must-listen for any fan of the genre, and cements Karne’s place as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the underground metal scene.