![lure – memories of humanity [demo]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Lure-Memories-of-Humanity-cover.jpeg "Lure – Memories of Humanity [Demo]")
In some artists, creativity flows in many shapes and forms. The name of Pierre Perichaud may ring a few bells, but it’s especially the pseudonym Business for Satan (or B.F.S.) that probably has come across plenty of Black Metal appreciator’s eyes. As a tattoo artist he has long established his name, inking many masterpieces on the bodies of artists or other admirers of his work. But it’s just as well possible that some of his artwork has caught eyes, for instance on the covers of releases of Délétère, Sepulchral Zeal, Ultha, Vonlaus or Martröð. Besides all this, B.F.S. has also been active as a musician, formerly of Parmanesia and currently in the Amor Fati Productions recording act Silver Knife. On top of that, 2020 saw the launch of his solo project Lure with the release of the ‘Morbid Funeral’ demo. 2023 not only saw the re-release of that much sought-after demo, but also the release of the newest Lure demo, baptized ‘Memories of Humanity’.
To know that B.F.S. likes his art morbid, macabre, nature-inspired and detailed, it only takes a look at his tattoo and cover art. The intricate linework that together form the monochrome pieces are rich in detail and demand hours of hard work and dedication. And the same can be found in the music of Lure. The debut demo was a gripping recording with three monumental songs of 12, 16 and 18 minutes respectively. The combination of choking atmospheric Black Metal drenched with pain-ridden vocals provided an impressive release, of which in particular ‘La Danse du Pendu’ was a magnificent showcase of tortured outcries. That B.F.S. once again opted for the demo format on ‘Memories of Humanity’ indicates a certain degree of continued experimentation. You can argue that comes back in a slightly different atmosphere. The suffocating and at times depressive approach of the first demo has been somewhat reduced, not in the least because the production, while still raw, is a little bit more clear. This allows the Pagan, nature-worshipping dreamlike undertone to the tracks to stick out a little bit more on the latest demo. Think of bands from the USBM scene, or French acts like Cénotaphe and Nécropole. The mention of the latter bands is no mere coincidence, and the vocals of Lure are also distinctly French in their higher, more deranged and chanting register. That B.F.S. is a gifted vocalist was already clear on the previous demo, but he further extends that reputation with some fantastic vocal performances on ‘Memories of Humanity’. In particular the title track has some phenomenal tortured cries that almost melodically echo along with the riffs and rhythms of the song.
There is plenty of uptempo, melody-driven Black Metal with more atmospheric mid tempo sections. The interplay between these sections is probably a little better balanced on the latest demo. Ranging between 9 and 13 minutes, the songs are somewhat more compact, a choice that better suits the somewhat different atmosphere, and allows for more variation and experimentation between the songs. The opening riff of ‘Tempest… Death Triumphant’ is nothing short of a masterpiece, and one of the songs where some experimentation with unusual instruments adds to a Pagan vibe of the demo. A song to best present the more open atmosphere is ‘The White Dragon’, an altogether more ethereal sounding song with a rich bass sound. The uptempo change towards the end of ‘The Deathlike Silence’ is delightful, and the vocals can go head-to-head with the impressive antics in the title track.
Despite its different facets, the demo feels coherent and fluid. Like his work as an illustrator and tattoo artist, B.F.S.’ work with Lure is complex, rich in detail, dark and intense. A highly successful marriage of French and American atmospheric Black Metal, ‘Memories of Humanity’ feels like a great step forward for Lure.
