Véhémence - Assiégé pour l'éternité

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Véhémence is a black metal band from France, who formed in 2014.  Their latest album, “Assiégé pour l'éternité,” is their fourth full-length album.  With that being said, this is a reimagining of their debut album, “Assiégé.”  But this is more than a simple remaster.  The band re-recorded the album from the ground up; considering longtime vocalist Hyvermor wasn’t on the original recording, this version automatically sounds different.

I’ll be completely honest here:  although I’m familiar with the band, I never listened to their debut but I did briefly (very) give it a listen when I got the promo for this album.  Even without spending much time with the debut, I can safely say this new version sounds different enough that it is pretty much like a new album. 


The band’s signature style of “medieval black metal,” including medieval themes and folk textures.  Despite these inclusions, I wouldn’t call this folk metal or even blackened folk.  The band’s foundations remain firmly planted in black metal, albeit very adept at including other textures and styles. Of course, it seemed their debut was a bit rawer and more traditional, so those aspects are in full force here but they still incorporate the elements that make them unique. 


The opening song, “De célestes cavalcades,” is the most straightforward of the songs and I actually think that works perfectly as an opener.  It’s explosive, fast and wastes zero time in getting the energy up quickly.  The riffs are fantastic too and the drums compliment them amazingly well.   This song is also quite striking with the melodies, which are quite catchy and also filled with energy that is quick and deadly.  


The third song, “Le sang respire encore,” is one where the band fully displays how effectively they have combined the past and present of their sound.  Clean instrumentation and an epic atmosphere make up parts of the song, interspersed among black metal tempos and dazzlingly guitar melodies.  The vocals are great, a blackened wail that sounds a bit jaunty and folky without being too far into it.  Some of the passages in this song are layered wonderfully, a tapestry of sonic density that’s both gorgeous and intense.


“Chant d'honneur,” is an amazing song.  It’s non-metal elements feel airy and majestic, like a cool breeze on a hot day.  The heat, on the other hand, comes from the blazing black metal that rips through the melodic/atmospheric undercurrents.  All these different ideas and elements both contrast and complement each other, making for an exciting and arresting song.   Some of the album’s most intense moments can be found here but also some of the most “medieval.”  


Ultimately, with “Assiégé pour l'éternité,”  Véhémence has created something quite new out of the old.  It forgets a new path, yet it respectfully honors their roots.  This album is the best place to start for new fans in that respect but also gives plenty of reasons for fans of the debut to return to it once again, to see (hear) it in a new light. 


Rating: Great
















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