VI are a three piece French black metal band, consisting of the guitarist, bassist and drummer of the current band AOSOTH and ex-AETAEUS. The debut album "De Praestigiis Angelorum" has the signature black metal sound developed by AOSOTH and AETAEUS but with much more riffing, choir sections, and synths. VI describes their music as "extreme, devoted black metal with illuminated chaos".

Being that I do not speak French, I couldn't tell you anything about the lyrical content, and that does nothing to stifle how good the music and vocals sound regardless. The first track offers synth right off, and leads well into the second track, "Par le jugement cause par ses poisons" which crushes right off the bat. The riff is almost sinister-sounding, with the right amount of blast beat. The crunchy growl vocals make for a great combo for the feel of the song. The third, fourth and fifth songs all change tempo and go with more of the popular NSBM riffs but with intense guitars and drumming that sets it apart from all the other NSBM bands, especially "Une place parmi les morts." The final three songs close out the album throwing the same crushing sinister riffage and blast beat back into play, with very nice melodic sections thrown in making it almost seem serene before slamming you into the moshpit that is the musical forte of "De Praestigiis Angelorum".

All-in-all, one of the better black metal listens I've had in a while. I really enjoyed the melodic breaks, you don't find them in black metal very often like they're presented as VI did in this album. I loved the intensity of the drumming and guitar, they really put them guitars to work. The vocals fit perfectly with the way the music sounded - it's damn good, and great for the new school!