(We present Daniel Barkasi’s enthusiastic review of a new album by the French black metal band Novae Militiae, which is set for release by Serpent Sun Records on September 18th.)
When it comes to conversations about the top-tier creators of black metal, there are certainly plenty of names that get thrown out. You’ll hear Misþryming and Darvaza come out of my mouth quite a bit, and we could absolutely throw out quite a list of bands that hit the proverbial spot, but that’s not the point.
Rather, a number exist that should get talked about far more often than they do. Today, that changes, at least for us, with Novae Militiae, the mysterious and dedicated French curators who have been strengthening with each subsequent release since their 2011 EP Affliction of the Divine. Having since unfurled two full-lengths of unmistakable quality since that fiery debut, the group has momentum on their side. Most recently, Topheth engulfed the senses with a monstrous, fierce quality that was coarse and oddly psychedelic in a raging sort of manner. An album which no doubt left an impression.
That was six years ago, however, and it’s been relatively quiet in their camp, until now. Aligning with the burgeoning Serpent Sun Records, who seemingly can’t release anything that’s less than stellar since their founding last year, they present us Apocryphon of the Unborn Light. To say the ascent continues is a gross understatement; this is a record of immense impetus and fuming intensity that aims to overwhelm to the point of the listener wondering what the hell just happened.
Every aspect has been toned and strengthened here; an impressive feat, considering their already stellar collection of works. “Psalms of Nameless Fire” penetrates with vigor and absolute conviction, quickly whisking one into its spell via explosive, menacing guitar flagellations, presented within varied tempos that push and pull from all directions. Dizzying, yet intrinsically focused, Novae Militiae seem to constantly pull the right levels at the exact right moment, gradually building to a frothing cauldron of tension as the stakes are raised by increased speed and added girth.
Don’t expect brevity in the song composition, with all but one entry clocking in at seven minutes at minimum, but that length is difficult to notice, as each of the six tracks on offer blow by in a flash; a true sign of songwriting excellence. “Scourge of the Dawnless Throne” wastes no time, exploding forth with a noxious and smashing sledgehammer of a riff, when coupled with cutting and virulent leads that will drag the hapless to their knees. Vocally, we’re met by hellish roars and disconsolate wails that’ll disturb even the keenest of listeners, flickering as a standout characteristic of the record. Also notable is the band’s ability to move into a mid-tempo and even slowed pace without losing a single ounce of fury. There’s a distinct comparison with Aosoth to be had in the crushing, visceral nature that seeps from every pore of this record. Novae Militiae is that potent.
Vitality is abounding as “Silence of the Seven Trumpets” invariably emits pulsating energy with immediacy, offering a dosage of the sharpest guitar passages on offer, whereas the drumming is so thick and muscular to the point of it being felt in one’s bones, psychologically speaking, reaching the heights of blackened death metal’s most burly. “Abyssal Dominion” exists in a similar plane, though with a disquieting, nefarious melody strung through via stinging tremolos that offer a familiar but slightly differing atmosphere, culminating in an unwieldy finish that leaves a significant cavity in one’s cranium.
Creeping, ominous black metal seekers will assuredly drool over the medium-paced crawl that is “Beneath the Sealed Heavens” and its baneful gaze. This piece serves as a perfect appetizer to the aptly titled “The Final Manifestation”, which closes the record in a hypnotic, hostile aura – Gevurah comes to mind – making a last grand declaration of spite-laden intent. Overall, Novae Militiae have never sounded so massive and imposing, and considering this is a band who have had zero trouble with cultivating such a sonic affront, it’s quite a staggering achievement to witness.
For the numerous stunning cuts of black metal bestowed upon us thus far in 2026, Novae Militiae’s effort ranks alongside Aversio Humanitatis in the enormous amount of punishment unleashed, the captivating, intoxicating songwriting, and the harrowing dynamics, bringing every element together in a ball of vociferous calamity. Apocryphon of the Unborn Light is significantly more than could have been predicted, even with this scribe’s sometimes unrealistic expectations. If heinous, merciless black metal with a fetid atmosphere is even a little bit alluring, no words uttered here can prepare one for the remorseless savagery that awaits.
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