TWISTED MIST: Lacerare (PAGAN/VIKING METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Despite a career that started almost ten years ago with three albums (not counting the subject of this review) have filled, Twisted Mist still remains largely unknown. In a folk and pagan vein, the dark music made by the french band is not without qualities. Of course, they are neither the first nor the only ones, nor even the best to plunge extreme metal into a medieval jail, but there is in their approach to the genre a form of obscure rusticity as well as a way of rooting it in a cold soil, both historical and geographical, which gives it both its authenticity and its rough, artisanal charm.

With few means, the duo composed of Nicolas and Olivier knows how to transport us to a mysterious Middle Ages on the verge of apocalypse where legends and blood intertwine in a macabre dance. Flute, bouzouki, percussion and hurdy-gurdy are all they need to capture the soul of those remote times, as demonstrated by "Lacerare", which draws its inspiration from the Black Death. The duo produced it themselves, which some will no doubt reproach them for, judging that this sound recording lacks power. Add to this a harsh vocal that could make some chaste ears bleed and it's not certain that this fourth album will be totally accepted.

However, apart from the fact that this fuselage of sound and these flayed vocals are part of a twilight stripping, the work reveals itself to be rich in numerous assets, first and foremost a superb writing that gives birth to often bewitching compositions. The marriage between extreme and folkloric works admirably, as witnessed by 'Nuée Noire' which reminds us a little of the late Bran Barr, a (good) impression confirmed by 'Nihil Reliquit'. The clear vocals on 'Complainte au Firmament' distil an enchanting poetry while the tribal 'Kyrie Eleison' vibrates with a shamanic darkness that is covered by the tutelary shadow of Wardruna. On the other hand, the magnificent 'Le Linceulé' would have deserved a happier mix between the two faces, metal and folk, displayed by the band, while the instrumental 'Indutiae' is adorned with a touching acoustic sweetness.

Despite its minor awkwardnesses, "Lacerare" bewitches with the beauty of a whole set of traditional instruments which, combined with abrasive guitars and black vocals that tear the night apart, plunge the listener into this High Middle Ages where wars and diseases are like a divine wrath. A lot of good ideas, melodies that leave lasting marks in the memory, sincere musicians, it's an understatement to say that Twisted Mist is an interesting band that only lacks a more professional production to give it the setting its music deserves. - Official website

TWISTED MIST

LACERARE

AUTRE LABEL

PAGAN/VIKING METAL