HYVER is a Symphonic Black Metal/Dungeon Synth band form in France. From Bandcamp, the only thing they say about the album is “about muddy landscapes and souvenirs when you travel in your car listening to BM.” This is the band’s third release, and it’s an EP, containing four songs. “Lanterne des Morts” is first, and it’s fairly standard Black Metal with a bit of Dungeon Synth thrown in. The pace is slow, the bass notes are audible, and you can also here some backing elements. “La Vielle pres du Lavoir” comes out of the gates with a thicker and faster sound, fueled by an opening scream. Many of the rolling drums however drown out much of the music.

“Frère Jean-Théophane” features keyboards that sound like little bells…a telltale sign of Dungeon Synth, and there are also some well done guitar leads. Besides some energetic vocals, however, the song isn’t very strong. “Terroir Terreur” closes the album, and is has an anthemic quality to it. The thick bass notes are fantastic but the rest of the song…not so much. The synths give the song an almost child-like quality, to the extent that Black Metal and children belong in the same sentence. In my experience, many French bands seem to elevate the music in a specific genre. They are usually very creative. However, in the instance of this four track album, besides some energy in the music, is just isn’t very original.