The concept of Epic/Atmospheric Black Metal seems to thrive on extreme ends of the spectrum: it’s either performed as passionately and pristinely as a fantastical saga, or it’s generic drab that breeds vague cliches and untethered musical arrangements. There is no in-between.
The French outfit Belore is firmly and emphatically ensconced in the former, going so far as to literally create a new, untapped world for the project (with an accompanying map for clarity).
It comes as no surprise that Eastern Tales (Northern Silence Productions) conjures medieval images of vast landscapes and mystical beings draped in heroics and discovery. One of the best compliments that can be heaped upon this record is how the forty-four-minute runtime regrettably flies by, owing to the dexterous nature and thriving compositions that come out the other side.
The Black Metal aspect, of course, comes from the tenacious, spirited vocals, but Belore has always had a penchant for favoring the epic/atmospheric aspects which is their veritable bread and butter. There is spoken word and requisite regal singing peppered in to remind everyone what this undertaking is all about.
“Sons Of The Sun” is charming, scene-setting elegance. The percussion working in tandem with the woodwind instantaneously springs forth a tidal wave of euphoric dopamine. And sparse, break-in-case-of-emergency guitars allow for the solo on “Storm Of An Ancient Age” especially to amplify the grandeur.
Throughout all of Eastern Tales, the drums are precise and inviting rather than unhinged and crass. The percussion is thoughtful, measured, tactful. Every single waking second has a deep-rooted purpose. “The Hermit Awakens” is fueled by suggestive drums which allows the song to emerge as a demigod stirring after an extensive hibernation.
Appropriately so, the last two tracks (“Battle For Therallas” and “The Rise Of A Sovereign”) take on a reflective nature of finality. The latter morphs into a grandiose saga as the assumed coronation of a figure worthy of lore and appreciation is undertaken.
Belore has done away with the musical idea of “epic” since Eastern Tales is on an entirely different level of statuesque storytelling.
Buy the album here:
https://belore.bandcamp.com/album/eastern-tales
9 / 10
MATT COOK