One Listen Review
1st Listen 1 Oct 26
Reviewed 4 Oct 26
Enterré Vivant – Kurogoku
Transcendance
Released 2 Oct 26
Formed in 2019, Enterré Vivant are a French black metal duo that have albums ‘steeped in the spiritual essence of Japan’. Kurogoku is the bands 3rd album and it is an absolute beast!
It is not a short album, with 7 songs (including an exclusive vinyl bonus track) spread across a sprawling near 57 minutes. But, listening to the tracks, you would never know this. Entrancing, hypnotic and all-consuming, Enterré Vivant have created an album that is a haunting and immersive experience.
Opening track, ‘Gakidō’ is a bruising slab of traditional French black metal – a genuine genre opening, blast-beats and screech vocals immediately grab you by the throat! Then
the duo try to throat punch you!
The gentle intro of ‘Ningendō’ belies the intensity the track delivers you. It is a joyous experience. ‘Tendō’ is perhaps the most atmospheric of the songs on offer and the introspective riff towards the end of the song is superb. ‘Chikushōdō’ a heady mix of aggression and melody helps to deliver yet another atmospheric track. Impressive keys and great vocals support the sheer likability of the song. My last not says, ‘This is very good’.
It should be stated that ‘Kurogoku’ has a concept of sorts – each standard album track represents the 6 realms of reincarnation in Buddhist teaching, exploring the thoughts and emotions that bind the individual soul to its particular eternal journey. Impressive stuff! This helps endear the album even more!
‘Jigokudō’, is the longest track. It has a strong intro and, for the first time, the fist starts pumping during the riff. Again, strong vocals support the track. This is top-drawer black metal. ‘Shuradō’ has a keys-driven intro and then what could be a keyboard effect or even a xylophone – oh how I hope it was the latter – that drips a 1980s influence. The excellent tremolo riff provides a controlled yet chaotic sound, firmly holding your hand so you don’t run away.
For details on the vinyl bonus track – I suggest you buy the vinyl – you won’t be disappointed!
Kurogoku is, quite simply, outstanding on every level. France has an illustrious black metal history, and Enterré Vivant are adding their own unique touch to the genre.
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