Hailing from the heart of French black metal, SETH presents a grim and haunting narrative with their relentless musical fury. Glazed with elements from the French Revolution, new opus “La France des Maudits” takes inspiration from the very streets that bled under the guillotine’s kiss. With “La France des Maudits” SETH carve out the anthem for those rising from the ruins, the unyielding, the eternal rebels. This black metal revival offers a narrative of relentless fury, invoking the spirit of insurrection, liberation, and defiance against divine oppression. Dive into the tumultuous serenade of “La France des Maudits,” an album that roars in the key of revolution.

 The album has eight songs, and “Paris des Maléfices” is first. Following a chaotic opening sequence, there are moments of melody and symphony. This is more like an orchestral piece than a Black Metal song. “Et que Vive le Diable” has fast moving drums that come at you like bullets fired from a machine gun, and there are both moments of rage and moments of despair in the song. “La Destruction des Reliques” follows the story further with moments of reflection, and never resting, because the horrid memories would come to life and stop you dead in your tracks. “Dans le Cœur un Poignard” marks a turning point in the album. For me, it’s the point where all the pain comes crashing down on your shoulders, and it proves too much to bear.

“Marianne” represents the human side of the battle, lest we forget that it is being fought by sons, brothers, and fathers. She might be his girlfriend, his lover, or even his wife. The dejected notes in the song carry the mood. “Ivre du Sang des Saints” hears the familiar march of the battle continue without a clear winner. It’s in the muck, and the thick of things, where those with the most resolve survive, and the inner battle here is reflected in the sturdy tones of the music. “Insurrection” is another turning point. All of the anger and hate that you have been building up is unleashed like a four-headed monster upon the world, and he isn’t here to ask questions.

“Le Vin du Condamné” closes the album, and wraps up the story. This is the final battle, and there is no looking back. It is marked with anger and hate within some of the solemn melodies, and you can hear the final sword swipes and gun fire that end the album. Overall, the melodies on the album are quite enchanting. There is a stiff and thick structure of Black Metal that is augmented with a story that seems to come to life as you listen to the album. It pulls you in, throws you into the heart of the conflict, and leaves your body bruised and broken by the end.