Cachot d’Effroi / Wolftower – Split MMXXIV [Split]

On this Narbentage Produktionen released split tape (also released on CD and 12″ vinyl by Wolfspell Records) two of the most interesting bands out of today’s European Black Metal scene team up for over half an hour of moody and compelling Black Metal. Both acts have individually released a good amount of great Atmospheric yet Raw Black Metal that are, each in their own respect, more than recommendable. And while both bands do seem to have roughly the same musical inspirations, the result is not exactly an exact alignment, yet this collaboration works more than well. This tape was issued in only 66 copies, so those who are interested now know where to look for it…

Opening is Cachot d’Effroi. This French one-man band by Carcasse Enchaînée, who is also to be found in Duelliste and Surghiun, has been releasing some alluring and provocative Black Metal. The modest buzz around this band is definitely justified and it was no surprise to me to see Drakkar Productions sign up for the reissue of the band’s self-titled debut album. The music that Carcasse Enchaînée is presenting us here is more or less a logical continuation of its previous steps, however, these three tracks and intro do have distinctly different sound. Where the self-titled debut album and the sophomore ‘Dans Le Cimeti​è​re Abandonné’ are both characterized by a rough and gritty sound, somewhat muffled even, these three new tracks sound remarkably much clearer. While that allows the keyboards, piano and the overall atmosphere to play a more prominent role, the overarching sound is not all that less raw. There is still a base of humming guitars and Carcasse Enchaînée’s icy screech that keeps the music firmly placed in the dark and haunting Black Metal territories. Yet, this overall highlighting of Cachot d’Effroi’s melodic and dreamy side makes these tracks by far the most impressive of an already splendid discography.

Wolftower, on the other side of the tape, is following its previously set out course of Raw yet Atmospheric Black Metal in the old 90’s tradition. This has been the core identity of any of Wolftower’s releases so far, yet with these three tracks Vyrtur seems to have taken a next step into perfecting his formula. Not so much into the musicality of what he is presenting, but the authenticity on these songs is genuinely striking. This brings me back to my teenage years of playing tapes in my bed room. It is not only the raw production with enough space for the beautifully humming keyboards, but this time it mostly the vocals that steal the show. Vyrtur sounds even more croaking and hoarse than on previous recordings, adding so much to the overall atmosphere. Coming really close to what I would call the golden (and massively underappreciated) years of German Black Metal. It is not really necessary to draw direct comparisons as it is the overall ambiance of the music and production that exude the sound and feel of yesteryear.