Celeste - Morte(s) Nee(s)
Denovali Records
(Post) Black Metal
7 songs (41.51)
Release year: 2010
Myspace
Reviewed by Jaime
Album of the year
To look at them, you'd not think Celeste play the music they do. Clad in gear and haircuts more commonly found on indie kids or students their appearence is extremely deceptive. Hailing from that modern bastion of Black Metal that is France they, like many French bands in the genre, have their own take on the style. Standing on the opposite side of the fence from the likes of Bult Aus Nord and Deathspell Omega, Celeste's music is a constant bludgeon of sound with some hardcore influences shining through, although less so that their earlier releases, in compartively short tracks compared to that of their peers with their atmosphere created through sheer aggression. To put it in lay-man's terms: Celeste are really heavy. And really well produced. In a genre oft criticised for sounding like it was recorded in a tin shed it's a welcome relief that complements their sound so very well.

First track Ces belles de rêve aux verres embués blasts out like all hell's breaking loose (which you'd kind of want from a BM band, no?) utilizing their wall of sound to it's maximum and sets a precedent for the rest of the album with it's thundering drums, vicious vocal delivery and crushing guitars. Once they've bitten, they don't let go as there's no let up between song changes as they blast away like there's no tomorrow. Les mains brisées comme leurs souvenirs slows things down a little but maintains the same oppressing grind while Il y a biens des porcs que ça ferait bander de t'étouffer brings things back up to speed. In fact, things only begin to slow down properly with the instrumental track (S), which envokes an atmosphere many a badgerfaced forest dweller would be jealous of. The mammoth closer De sorte que plus jamais un instant ne soit magique is a showcase of everything the band does compressed into one 12 minute song, with cellos flung into the mix to add an extra depth to the proceedings to its closing minutes.

One could argue the point that all the songs seem to blend into one another and seem a bit samey. But Celeste have clearly defined their sound and continually polished it with each successive album, with each demanding to be listened to as a whole. Purists may argue that the high production values somehow make it "untr00", but one cannot deny how fantastic each track sounds and the sheer weight behind each of them. Furthermore, each of the band's albums is available for free on their label's website here with gorgeous looking vinyl prints and CDs available to buy if you wish. Which you really should, as this band deserve it.
Killing Songs :
All, but Ces belles de rêve aux verres embués and De sorte que plus jamais un instant ne soit magique open and close the album magnificantly
Jaime quoted 93 / 100
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