Genre: Epic Black Metal
Line Up:
Shaâtaunoâr, the new full-length album by French band Hyver, is a fitting Epic Black Metal soundtrack for a Dungeons and Dragons campaign, enhanced by Dungeon Synth interludes performed by compatriots Virginie Ropars and David Thiérrée. The album opens with a narrative voice that offers the listener the chance to choose which rooms to explore, mapping out the ideal path to escape from a dangerous castle. Each song represents a room, masterfully described through medieval and epic melodies, which hint at what lies within, transporting the listener to a fantastical yet dark world. The first track, "The Forest and the Arrival," for example, immediately proves compelling, stimulating the imagination with scenes of an impending battle, where the voice acts as a guide.
"Salle d'armes," on the other hand, is more dreamy, harking back to bygone glory with nostalgic melodies.
Overall, however, the songs feel slightly repetitive.
Throughout the album, Summum Algor's incessant drumming leaves no room for breath, as does the bass, which is very present. The guitar riffs evoke battles to the death, but also sumptuous halls and ancient glories, as in the songs "Chambre" and "Cuisines." The work finally concludes with more melancholic tones, as if to suggest surrender and defeat.
Bands like Summoning and Obsequiae are the primary and immediate examples that Hyver manages to evoke.
Angelica
