Les Bâtards du Roi’s quest continues.
Only a year has passed since their last album, but Regicide (vocals/guitar), Æni (guitar/clean vocals), and Daemonicus (drums), now joined by Barron (bass), are already unveiling their new chapter, the EP Ici Meurt Ma Joie, still backed by Les Acteurs De L’Ombre Productions.
Melancholy immediately resurfaces alongside a sense of unease thanks to the title track, Ici meurt ma joie, which is the first to guide us into the darkness, offering a fairly calm introduction followed by a heart-wrenching scream and then a cloud of piercing riffs that carry on their visceral style. While the track is obviously dominated by Regicide’s screams, Æni’s clear vocals at times heighten the intense contrast, leading us toward the majestic final, and then to Et la nuit s’éternise, which in turn captivates us in the blink of an eye, first creating an unsettling atmosphere only to surprise us with the arrival of Diffamie (Galibot), who contributes to the vocal section with his gentleness, then his rage. Où pourrit la lumière, the third track, is already the last one, and although it quickly becomes heavier than the others, it still brings a touch of Old School energy to close out the EP, letting the roars echo the furious blast beats as the four bandmates let loose on their instruments, creating an epic conclusion to their adventure in every sense.
Far too short but incredibly intense, Ici Meurt Ma Joie allows the band to recount a new chapter of their medieval adventure, blending darkness with Dantesque melodies. If you’re not yet familiar with Les Bâtards du Roi, it’s never too late to hop on board and let yourself be spellbound!
95/100