This self titled demo from Fournier is instantly hellish right from the jump. The apocalyptic, post world feel that you get throughout is persistent and never quite loosens its grip. I think a huge part of this comes from the vocals, placed further back in the mix, they feel suffocating and consumed by the band rather than louder leading vocals.
This really benefits the tracks too by making the entire demo a bit more claustrophobic and dreadful, rather than a hindrance like it might be other wise.
I think what is most impressive is that underneath the muck, all of this is surprisingly cleanly played. The bass, guitar and drums are all tight and locked in, which ensures none of the raw sounds come out messy but instead feels deliberate. Almost as if Fournier understood exactly the level of ugliness they wanted to push this out at. With a dense sound reminiscent of both Phrenelith and Hyperdontia, I was wholly captivated by the atmosphere that clung to this demo like a shroud.
The ending manages to cycle back to the initial hellish ambiance with me, and I am taken right back into that apocalyptic desolate landscape.
For a first release, this is unbelievably dialed in. Raw, suffocating, apocalyptic but still managing to keep solid musicianship at its core. A great listen start to finish.
