Délétère - De Horae Leprae

#FOR FANS OF: Atmospheric Black

It´s time to return to one of the most prolific and respected black metal scenes in the world, the one of Quebec. This Canadian region is well-known due to its strong pro-independence movement. This time and contrary to other highly rated bands, I am reviewing a band with, as far as I know, no political connections at least, if we speak about the lyrical contents of their albums. The band is called Délétère and it was formed in 2009 by Atheos and Thorleïf, who have been the unique permanent members of this project, only accompanied by several musicians who helped them in the studio or on stage. Both members have previous experience in excellent bands like Forteresse or Utlagr, just to say they are strongly connected to the extreme metal scene of Quebec. Though the band exists for nine years, they have only released two albums, the excellent debut 'Les Heures de la Peste' and the new opus 'De Horae Leprae'.

The new effort has a similar concept as the debut album. The lyrics deal with medieval times, and specifically with death and mortal diseases. This time, the album´s concept seems to deal with leprosy, another disease very frequent in the medieval times. Musically speaking, Délétère continues with the tradition settled by other bands of the scene. The band plays a kind of aggressive black metal, focused on powerful riffs melodic and atmospheric. If I should compare the band´s sound to, for example, Forteresse, I would say that Délétère has a darker approach fitting perfectly well with the tenebrous lyrical concept the band develops. The second track, “Cantus II-Sagina Caedencis”, is a fine example of somber guitar chords, which open the song and later accompany the main guitar riffs. But it´s not the unique example of this somber tone as a song like “Cantus V-Figura Dysphila” has also some especially dark sections. Though the album has in general terms a very aggressive tone and was very focused on creating powerful riffs, the band adds, from time to time, some elements to enrich its musical offer. For example, the opening track, “Cantus I-Teredinis Lepra” or the fourth song, “Cantus IV-Inopia et Morbo”, have occasional keys sounding like an organ, which of course fits with the medieval concept behind the band´s music. This use is increased in the last track, “Cantus IX-Oratio Magna”, my favourite song, as it sounds more medieval and atmospheric than any other song of the album, mainly thanks to these organs. What about the vocals? Well, I can safely say that Thorleïf delivers as a vocalist. His screams are powerful and high-pitched, they are easily audible as the production is quite good, raw enough, but with the majority of the instruments and the vocals themselves, easily distinguishable. Vocally speaking, we also find tiny tries to add some variety as the band introduces some clean vocals, which sound like a dark choir, very medieval yet again, tough they are scarcely used in songs like “Cantus II-Ichthus Os Tremoris”. The album has overall a quite fast pace, though the drums have a healthy combination of blast-beasts and slightly slower sections, almost never really slow but something between fast and mid-paced patterns, which obviously help to create non-monorithmic songs.

To sum up, Délétère has released a very good sophomore album which I wouldn´t define as a masterpiece, but a very enjoyable black metal album with some nice touches, which make it an interesting listen. Very recommendable if you follow the excellent black metal scene of Quebec. (Alain González Artol)

(Sepulchral Productions - 2018)
Score: 75

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Délétère - Les Heures de la Peste

#FOR FANS OF: Black, Forteresse, Csejthe

Rumbling, somehow awkward sounding guitars characterize the production of Délétère's first full-length, dated 2015. This is a sound one has to get used to. The massive and more or less lumpy mix contradicts the actually fine leads and melodies. This is not as bad as it sounds, because this kind of inner conflict gives "Les Heures de la Peste" a certain individuality. By contrast, the hoarse and baleful voice does not provide a special contribution. Sometimes icy, passionate screams appear that build a bridge to the most extrovert Scandinavian black metal singers. But this is not as bad as it sounds, too. To close this chapter, the production is not outstanding, but okay.

What about the musical content? Délétère originates from Quebec and they fulfil every expectation in terms of style. At least the fast sections of the duo's compositions lie in close proximity to the songs of their neighbours. I am speaking of Forteresse, Csejthe and comparable bands from the constantly boiling Canadian metropolis. One could also mention Sanctuaire if one leaves their ambient pieces out of consideration. But wait, the here reviewed work also houses some ambient elements. However, do not think of endless keyboard lines that wander alone through the barren prairie. Songs like "Aux Thaumaturges Égarés, une Étoil Nécrosée" create a desperate, sinister atmosphere without neglecting the metallic fundament. Lonely guitars deliver the soundtrack to a sad scenario while darkness falls over the land, but they are mostly accompanied by the infernally echoing lead vocals and the reliable rhythm section. By the way, this piece with a duration of more than seven minutes shines with its compositional coherence - and this coherence is no exception, but the standard. The dudes mostly deliver intelligently constructed tunes and this is not a matter of course when it comes to a debut work with eight songs that clock in after 48 minutes.

The album - which is equipped with a stylish booklet - generates a very uncomfortabe feeling due to its strict leads and the painful yelling. The ecclesiastical choirs at the end of "Une Charogne Couronnée de Fumier" also create ambivalent emotions, to say the least. It is amazing to see that both sides of the band work very well. The raging outbursts and the atmospheric sections complement each other in a good manner. "Credo II" is the prime example. Its Forteresse-like high velocity parts shine with fascinating leads and pure vehemence, while the gloomy yet extremely heavy episode which sets in at 2:40 minutes delivers the perfect supplement. No doubt, it seems as if Quebec has become a guarantor for high class black metal with an unmistakable flavour. To cut a long story short, if one likes cascades of guitar lines, fervent vocals and a high degree of dedication, "Les Heures de la Peste" has a good chance of becoming his or her album of the month. Great songs like "Le Lait de l'Essaim" are not ten a penny. Indeed, the mostly fantastic compositions let me forget the slightly dubious production. Honesty speaking, I want to hear more of Délétère. (Felix 1666)

 

(Sepulchral Productions - 2015)

Score: 80

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