Malebeste is making a name for itself.
Formed in Charente, the band featuring Cédric on vocals, Paul on guitar, Damien on bass, and Cédric on drums has recorded its debut album, Monestherou, and signed with Antiq Records to share the folklore of their region.
The album opens with Aigre Vinasse et Chaude Populace, a rural and somewhat chaotic sample that immediately immerses us in a Folk atmosphere, particularly toward the end where the restless crowd propels us into Hautefaye 1870, the first track rooted in a melodic yet undeniably furious black metal foundation. The vocals add a macabre touch to the effective and unifying mix, particularly during the energetic choruses that counterbalance the more haunting passages, while Chasse Gallery offers an almost epic atmosphere to complement its faster sections. We find that raw edge in the slower moments, but it is indeed the Old School approach that proves most effective, where melodies swirl above a solid foundation leading into Palefroi du Diable, which slows the pace even further to create a perfectly heavy vibe. The rhythm section remains catchy, rooted in thick, oppressive black metal with a few devastating bursts of speed, while Milouziena shifts to a much softer tone, almost soothing at times, and the melodies dance harmoniously together, leading us naturally to Le Puits d’Enfer, a track that, in my opinion, is one of their most polished. While there are some fairly wild passages, the track easily envelops us in its dissonant veil, confronting us with its darkness before finally moving on to Monestherou, the eponymous track that charges forward at a steady pace but doesn’t hesitate to slow down to weave its haunting yet sometimes slightly cold melodies. Flamme Noir de l’Espoir grants us a rather unsettling respite before plunging us back into its intoxicating darkness, even offering a somewhat mystical touch in certain passages, followed by a soaring finale before moving on to Nocturne, an ethereal acoustic medley that closes the album gently, while remaining within this melancholic theme.
Rooted in Black Metal with spellbinding melodies, Malebeste reveals a very strong and distinctive identity for a debut album. Monestherou takes us on a journey through a part of history that is often overlooked, yet rich in icy melodies.
90/100
