It’s a shame that this EP is less than half an hour long. But, when listening to it on repeat for hours, it almost feels right that it shouldn’t be any longer. The experience is extremely well done in its delivery, and any longer or shorter might have changed that feeling. However, should Alcest release a full length album in the future, I’m certain that its length will also suffice to satisfy the listener’s experience as well.

This is like nothing I’ve ever heard before in black metal. It certainly still carries much of the traditional musical styles of black metal such as the atmospheric production, blast beats, tremolo picking, and harsh, wailing screams. However underneath the surface it feels much more than that.

The first track alone defies black metal traditions in so many ways, I don’t know if I’ve even noticed them all yet. The most prominent one being the vocals, which are clean female almost speaking vocals. Very down cast and melancholic, however when surrounded by the melodic chaos of the music, it almost sounds joyful. The lyrics translate to something that really feels neither, but more of a general observation of peaceful surroundings. All this alone, is not necessarily innovative, however the juxtaposition of the vocals with the music is one of those rare and wonderful moments where I just can’t help but realize that black metal is probably far from dead, or boring.

The second track uses words from a Charles Baudelaire poem. Musically and lyrically this track is almost celebratory. The melodies that the lead guitar weave throughout the entire song are incredibly beautiful. They seem to give wings to the typical agonized wailing vocals in the black metal style. However, instead of feeling agonized, the vocals seem to rise above everything else and intensify the beautiful things around us. As the closing riffs fade out of track 2, my brain craves more, and I will continue to listen to this on repeat for a very long time.

The chaotic and dense wall of noise that black metal produces can also be one of the most beautiful styles of music, and this EP exudes that from beginning to end.

“Beyond the vast sorrows and all the vexations
That weigh upon our lives and obscure our vision
Happy is he who can with his vigorous wing
Soar up towards those fields luminous and serene”