From Bandcamp, “In the mist-shrouded realm of black metal, GRAVENOIRE emerges as a phantasm, a spectral echo of the genre's most unyielding and arcane iterations. “Devant la porte des étoiles” is a portal, cast from the ancient stones of primordial rites and cosmic despair. This GRAVENOIRE debut, forged in the live crucible of rehearsal chambers untainted by modernity's corroding touch, channels the unsanctioned, unbridled energies of realms both spectral and telluric.

The first song is titled “Pavens,” and it’s a brief introduction, consisting mostly of symphonic elements and ominous tones. “France del l’Ombre” is the first proper track. The screams are probably the most harrowing quality of this song, that, and the thick wall of guitars, done with some classical elements. It slows finally after the half-way mark, with more depressive and remorseful sounds. It’s a somber and angry first song. “Ordo Opera Cultura” is another frightening affair that has a thick and steady guitar presence, and some of way that the riffs built keeps the listener on the edge of their seat.

“Aux Chiens” has more depressive tones swirling in with the stalwart anger of the album, and the vocals are done in an almost matter-of-fact statement. The song darkens at times, taking in the void willingly. “Granit” is a bit slower out of the gates, but still has a thick guitar and drum presence, and the constant cymbal strikes almost sound like a wooden block to me, due to the muted production. “Gravenoire” closes the album, and those opening strings are quite somber. I love the change of pace. The vocals are spoken In French, of course, and it sound like a warning of sorts to me.

Overall, this was a solid release, though I had hoped for just a couple more songs. Though it does have an aggressive, contentious sound, it isn’t overly grating, and the listener is treated to and expansive sound that you don’t always get with Black Metal.