ALBUM REVIEW: Els Sepulcres Blancs – Foscor

The musical trajectory of FOSCOR is an interesting journey to dissect and digest. Despite starting out as a traditional second wave black metal worship outfit, 2009’s Groans To The Guilty and 2014’s Those Horrors saw the Catalans depart from the cold tundras of black metal to a more clean and atmospheric soundscape. Evolution is a natural part of life but such a musical transition is peculiar in the case of FOSCOR. Els Sepulcres Blancs, the band’s second chapter of the trilogy initiated with 2017’s Les Irreals Visions sees the quintet present an album of melancholic bliss.

Rather than the trademark black metal characteristics that comprised of their early material, Els Sepulcres Blancs sees FOSCOR continue to evolve their melodic blueprints of Les Irreals Visions and throughout the seven track album, the band craft a beautiful yet moving sonic atmosphere. Laments opens the album through a gorgeous melody of keys from Esteban P. which tangle with Fiar‘s crooning clean vocals remarkably well. This all builds until the band erupt with emotion-driven guitar play that ebbs and flows organically to the percussion. Their musicianship is tight and the sound is expansive; a strong start to the album.

Els Colors del Silenci ups the tempo as a flurry of drumming injects adrenaline into the mix whilst Fiar‘s vocals soar and the intertwining twin guitar play is a treat upon the ears, Malson stands as the standout track to pull on your heartstrings. Sorrowful guitar lines croon in intoxicating rhythm whilst Fiar displays his strongest singing on the record as his inviting vocal lines warm the heart and sit comfortably alongside the melodic play of his bandmates. It’s a thoroughly immersive experience and displays FOSCOR in the brightest light.

There are moments throughout Els Sepulcres Blancs however that see FOSCOR dip their collective toes into more heavier territory. Secrets‘ backbone is a fusion of heavy-leaning guitar lines and a sprinkling of pained-screams from Fiar which intertwine remarkably well with the song’s cleaner arrangements. Similarly, Cel Rogent‘s pacey drumming adds a feeling of sinister urgency, juxtaposing the melancholic guitar play. It’s not FOSCOR reverting to their roots so to speak, far from it in fact, but it’s nice to see that the band still opt to deploy moments that whisk you back to their origins. In fact, it clearly demonstrates that FOSCOR‘s musical growth has been one that is organic, as opposed to an abrupt departure of their previous sound.

And yet, for all of Els Sepulcres Blancs‘ melancholic beauty, one of the strongest qualities that this album possesses is just how rich and layered it is. With each passing listen, more musical nuances become apparent and as a result, make the album become all the more enjoyable. Take Cançó de Mort for instance. Deep and layered, with each listen, the track’s underlying traits become all the more apparent. Whilst Fiar‘s vocals are easily the commanding aspect to the track, the intricate guitarwork, which might pass over your heard on first listen, slowly sink their hooks in and become so satisfying to hear on repeated listening. Like a fine wine, Els Sepulcres Blancs will only get better with age.

By continuing to shed the skin of their musical past, FOSCOR are evolving into something truly special. Growing organically, this new outing is a fitting second chapter in their current trilogy of record, a natural successor to Les Irreals Visions. Standing as their most emotional, poignant and delicate release to date, Els Sepulcres Blancs is a resounding achievement from the Catalan musical shape-shifters.

Rating: 8/10

Els Sepulcres Blancs is out now via Season of Mist.

Like FOSCOR on Facebook.