The motivations that drive one to create music as a sole (not solo) artist are likely quite varied. The “basement black metal,” if you will, phenomenon invites enquiry. Would it be a bridge too far to presume that this dynamic finds a natural home in black metal? The proliferation of single artist projects in this subgenre would seem, anecdotally at least, to far exceed that in others. It may be a little too pat to conclude that the misanthropy and nihilism frequently encountered among practitioners of this dark art is responsible for their proclivity to work alone. Perhaps they are owed the courtesy of the proposition of another explanation. To wit, perhaps these personalities are driven by an artistic ideal so focused they cannot even conceive of making the compromises necessary for recording with, let alone composing with, a team of musicians. If the latter bears more credence than the former, Unholy Matrimony is testament to this fact.

It is probably a naïve test to judge one man projects on their ability to replicate the sound of a band. But alas, that is the judgment of this humble author. Upon listening to Croire, Décroître, one is struck by the fact that the album is the product of one man. The mind does not exert itself greatly in perceiving that that man (Vladimir Cochet) is gifted. Many of us would be happy to be as good Cochet is at one thing, say, writing lyrics. But to be as good as he is at writing lyrics, vocalizing them, and composing and recording the music they complement truly warrants admiration.

I must admit I cannot do justice to Cochet’s lyrics as they are sung in French. Musically, though, Croire, Décroître is first class. The album presents the listener with a kaleidoscopic topography of bleakness. Blast beats (synthesized) abound, yet layered choruses and sharp riffs are plentiful as well. Of the eight tracks in question, two are more than ten minutes in length and only two are less than six. Each track is thus is its own journey. Treble strings slice, chords rumble, toms bellow, and some fine, fine music emerges.