Between hammer and anvil, it is above all in the flames of hell that Tenebrae Fabulae was forged. The result, released on September 13, 2024 via Bandcamp, proves to be a work of Black Metal that is both sharp and elegant, nourished by myths and witchcraft.
From the very first hammer strikes, Le Coven du Carroir sets a dark and immersive atmosphere, where razor-sharp riffs intertwine with subtle orchestrations. Far from settling for linear Black Metal, the band dares to venture into heavy, thrash, and even more atmospheric textures, always in service of a narrative universe rooted in Berrichon folklore. Occult themes and local legends intertwine with refined musical writing, capable of balancing ferocity and melody.
The songs follow fairly clear structures – verses, choruses, instrumental passages – which makes the album accessible without ever sacrificing intensity. Here we find breathtaking climaxes, blasts of relentless coldness, but also more contemplative moments where strings and keyboards thicken the sonic fog. The vocals, alternately furious and incantatory, further reinforce this bewitching atmosphere.
The production, clear yet never over-sterilized, allows each instrument to breathe and gives space for the orchestrations without smothering the guitars. It’s a delicate balance that lends the whole a welcome organic warmth.
Ultimately, Tenebrae Fabulae is a rich and inspired work, one that does not simply tick the boxes of Black Metal but strives to tell a story, to weave a universe. With this album, Le Coven du Carroir establishes itself as a singular voice within the French scene, capable of blending extreme tradition with a narrative and mystical touch of its own. A record well worth discovering, whether you are drawn to witchcraft, legends, or simply a taste for metal forged in the flames of imagination.
- BANDCAMP: 𝕷𝖊 𝕮𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖓 𝖉𝖚 𝕮𝖆𝖗𝖗𝖔𝖎𝖗
- Label: CHAPITRE XIII
