ALBUM REVIEW: Ascension – Regarde Les Hommes Tomber
REGARDE LES HOMMES TOMBER have been stepping outside the boundaries of typical black metal since their inception. Creating despairing soundscapes with their sludge-like influences on top of an already bleak style is something that the Nantes-based band have mastered. Their previous two full-lengths showcased just what they can deliver in sound, and how well researched they are in the subject matters they write about. Ascension, the end of their trilogy of albums, is set to bring something even darker to the table, it is the end.
L’Ascension gently builds an atmosphere that can only be described as crushing despite its delicacy, the calm before the storm, the eager await of what is to come from the albums main opener A New Order. As the drums roll, and the anguished screams of T.C. wail against the fast and furious riffs, there is no denying that the band have stepped up their game in every means possible. Whether it is because they have moved onto a bigger label with Season of Mist, or they want the finale of this trilogy to be the battle to end all battles, it matters not, because the immediate notice of effort is of great magnitude.
As the album moves down to The Renegade Son and The Crowning the sludge-doom influence still lingers, but unlike their prior album, these songs show that it doesn’t mean it has to sound more mellowed out. In fact, they’ve managed to incorporate it but also show a sheer force of brutality, almost in a way that feels like a violent attack. The narrative of what Ascension is all about, about the rejection of God after the birth of consciousness, has that soundtrack to it that almost feels like you’re powerful, it’s hypnotic and yet chaotic in one blend.
As Stellar Cross opens, there’s this overwhelming feeling of agony. Each member works alongside one-another to carry on this battle, and although it isn’t the only lengthy song on the album, it certainly plays out as the epic. It highlights every element of what has built up the band’s sound over the years, each detail layering on top of one another to create this magnitude of excellence. Despite every song on the album carrying itself, this one in particular truly highlights the extent of how much the band have grown and refined who they are, and just how much time and effort they put in to create an authentic, and organic sound.
Au Bord Du Gouffre closes the album in a first-class manner. It is a fitting conclusion to a trilogy that has delivered knowledge, and passion. The previous two full-lengths from REGARDE LES HOMMES TOMBER followed classic theology, however Ascension moves forward with that and involves their own ideological take on the works they studied. Their passion and drive for this subject shines throughout the album, there’s one thing to know about a subject, but it’s another to have your own educated take on it and then perform it like a piece of poetry. Which is exactly what this band have done, they’ve taken a narrative and they’ve turned it into an art form. At some points, you can forget that you’re listening to an album, and then you come back round, realising you’ve been sucked into this theatre of pain, suffering, torture.
Ascension may have been the end of a trilogy for REGARDE LES HOMMES TOMBER, but it is has set up a landmark in their career for exciting things to come from them in the future. They’re not a band to be forced to be ahead of the clock with releases, good things come to those who wait, and that’s exactly what listeners get from this band. There’s no telling what they’ll deliver next, but if Ascension is anything to go off, it’ll be a masterpiece.
Rating: 10/10
Ascension is out now via Season of Mist.
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