Writing this review was difficult due to the fact that Croire, Décroître sucked my brain into a black, abysmal hole from which no reasonable thought could come (at least temporarily). Initially the whole thing felt without emotion, like something glossy that could be appreciated but not cherished, but once I got to the core I was sucked down into an angry, deafening vortex. Composer Vladimir Cochet’s myriad of one-man projects (including Mirrorthrone) depict worlds of rage and despair effectively, and as a result, efforts like Croire, Décroître become more like events than musical arrangements.
Through the infinite wisdom of internet translators, I learned that Croire, Décroître roughly means “to believe, to decrease.” Now, where this lies in relation to the album’s lyrics is a mystery to me since they’re sung entirely in French. But who needs to find meaning in lyrics when they’re set against the vastly expressive music of Unholy Matrimony? Most times tottering between black and blackened or progressive death, the pacing running from frantic to catatonic, the album’s eight tracks evoke a sense of misanthropy and mental instability. Coated-throat shrieks clash with typically icy, jagged guitar work to relay a proper black metal atmosphere, while odd time signatures and discordant rhythms display more progressive sensibilities at other times.
Cochet’s world view is both bleak and detailed, but not one I envision visiting very often. For one, getting into the proper mood and being able to fully appreciate Croire, Décroître took a lot of patience and analysis, which goes back to my initial thoughts about the album: it’s obvious that Cochet poured his soul into it, but from the surface it appears to be too cold and callous to break into. Secondly, the use of a drum machine detracts from the very human emotions relayed here, sadly. If that doesn’t deter you (and hopefully it doesn’t), fans of Naglfar, Impaled Nazarene and the like should check this release (and others from Vladimir Cochet) out.
Comparing this to Impaled Nazarene is definitely missing the point completely. This sounds nothing like them. You could even make a case for Naglfar sounding nothing like them either. I’d say Profundi, Limbonic Art, pr Hate Forest.
on Oct 28th, 2009 at 15:43Unlike most BM with drum machines, most wouldn’t notice unless told. The drum programming is very well done. the compositions are complicated and quite long so tend to wash over one without leaving much behind without a lot of listens. However it is quite well done and certainly has a dark mood to it. More evil and dissonant than mirrorthrone. I agree Limbonic Art is probably the closest point of reference.
on Oct 28th, 2009 at 17:55