Since the end of the 80s, many Metal schools throughout the world became more accessible for the fans due the advent of internet, what made easier to hear a Metal act from any country one can think of. French Metal School has deep roots on the past, with acts as TRUST, VULCAIN, NIGHTMARE, H-BOMB, XYZ, SORTILÈGE and others that broke the limits and gained recognition into underground. Then to see the monumental success of GOJIRA today isn’t something unexpected, and to hear “Monde Vide”, the first full-length of the quintet MORTUAIRE isn’t something unexpected.

Recorded in august 2023 by Thibault Laisney at A/B Box Studio, with additional recordings by Stéphane Miollan at LocalOfWar Studio (the band’s guitarist that did the mixing as well), and mastered by Ben Jones, the sonority is rough and old-fashioned, remind a lot those early releases of the Second Wave of Death Metal (≈1989-1993), but with a defined and understandable outfit. And the artwork of Thösz (cover) and Luc Ardilouze (logo and layout) reinforces what the band’s music depicts. The quintet works a form of Doom Death Metal in the vein of the early days (without the use of keyboards), but using many elements inherited from classic Death Metal as well (as the blast beats heard on “Monde Vide”), what means that they have some faster moments - unlike the pioneers of PARADISE LOST, ANATHEMA and MY DYING BRIDE - but it’s 75%-80% Old School Doom Death Metal, full of energy and showing funereal and oppressive ambiences.

As a first full-length, it’s clear that the quintet shows many good parts, but some naivety as well. But for the fans of the genre, “Mauvais Présage”, “Pyramide D’or”, “Monde Vide”, “Tranchant” and “Octogone de Fer” have a lot to offer, with many contrasts between aggressiveness and morbid oppressive elements. It’s really an interesting release, and for those that miss the days when “As the Flower Withers”, “Serenades” and “Lost Paradise” unleashed the eerie talons of Doom Death Metal on the world. Again: “Monde Vide” isn’t a flawless release, but it doesn’t mean that MORTUAIRE can’t do something in this way in the future.