In France, it can be said that LLN created a way for Black Metal that still influences a lot many bands from the country. This way is based on morbid elegant and melancholic ambiences contrasting with the natural aggressiveness of the genre, shaping then a form of music that is based on in rich contrasts. After such words, the work of END OF MANIKIND can be understood, and to enjoy "Antérieur a la Lumière" becomes easier.

Their music could be described in the words written above, or in another way, as a modern and updated form of playing a mix between old works from names as EMPEROR, SATYRICON and DIMMU BORGIR. But not let this comparison deceive you: their music shows energy and personality, as it is rich in many excellent musical arrangements (and as they prefer to focus things on guitars instead of using keyboards, things sound really different). The sonority of "Antérieur a la Lumière" is very good. Even keeping the harsh instrumental tunes of the past, everything sounds clean, defined, aggressive and heavy, improving the understanding of what the band's playing during all the songs. It's really a very good work.

Musically, the songs of the album speak for themselves. Bu the excellent contrasts heard on "Temporary Flesh Suit" and "La Peste Dansante" (the guitar riffs are really excellent), the heavy and aggressive grasp of "Outrenoir" (a fine work of bass guitar and drums can be heard on the arrangements, indeed), and the changes between brutality (with some Black/Thrash Metal influences) and melancholic ambiences of "Opponent Deity" and "Step Towards Oblivion" (both with very good shrieks and snarls) are the right ones for a first time on the music.

French Black Metal still has some surprises to show, and "Antérieur a la Lumière" is one of them. Congratulations, END OF MANKIND.