Ever since the demise of the original French Black Legions in 1996, people have been trying to find 'replacements' or 'the next generation' (or waiting for reformations/returns, but those are other reviews...). If ever there was a band worthy of claiming the throne, it's Epheles. I first noticed them after hearing their amazing Dead Nature for Humans without Tears demo, so when I saw this self-financed CD available I snapped it up. Good thing, too - it's fucking amazing.

The standard elements of the French style of black metal are in place--the bizarre, unique approach to melody and guitar riffing, the ultra-harsh vocals, the suicidal, insane atmosphere--but Epheles mixes in a few new elements as well. In some cases they tend towards longer song lengths (10-15 minutes), with long, sparse, somber breaks in the middle. Their shorter material matches the more out-of-control moments of Mütiilation or Vermeth, but those longer songs really build tremendous atmosphere. There's also some use of processed-clean vocals during those sections, again adding to the aura of despair. If you're tired of Norgay and already have all the French Black Legion's vintage material and are yearning for something new in the same vein, I highly recommend tracking down both this album and the aforementioned demo.

© 2003 lord vic