(written by Islander)
Today we introduce you to Horion, a relatively new band from the Basque Country of Bayonne, France, and their debut EP Doom which will be released on March 26th by Void Wanderer Productions. Their music could be summed up as a dark and melodic brand of black metal infused with death and doom influences, but it is unusual in several respects.
First and foremost, the music prominently features cello performances which (as Void Wanderer accurately portrays) are “sometimes melodic, sometimes abrasive, always engaging a dialogue with the guitars and carving out soundscapes between chaos and melancholy”. But the music also includes a distinctive songwriting approach, which you’ll discover for yourselves through our premiere today of the EP’s first single, “Stronghold“.
Photography: Laurianne Conesa
Before we get to the song, we ought to share Void Wanderer’s description of the album’s lyrical themes:
About the lyrics, Horion presents a stark and unflinching view of a world ruled by violence : structural, social, and inflicted upon the most vulnerable. This is a raw portrayal of what humanity leaves behind when compassion gives way to dominance. Through harsh and visceral vocals, the band lends a voice to the oppressed. Their goal is not to preach, but rather to coldly reflect a moral collapse in progress.
In line with that description, “Stronghold” is lyrically angry and defiant. So is the music, but it channels other moods as well.
Immediately, the music surges, powered by heavily rumbling bass-lines, roiling guitar abrasion, and neck-cracking beats, and the words come forth through deep, gritty growls and tormented howls. The cello also lifts its own tormented voice and seems to wail.
The music also slows and softens, combining acoustic guitar and a fluid cello melody that deepens the song’s feeling of heartbreak, a passage eventually backed by changing (and viscerally heavy) drum-and-bass patterns and warping electric guitars. The pacing remains in continual flux; the guitars and the cello seeth in darkness, vividly dart, and frenetically swirl; while the gritty vocals continue signaling both wretchedness and rage.
It’s a distressing song to be sure, one that does feel like an expression of souls damaged by oppression — but not beaten. Its elaborately layered and continually transforming instrumental ingredients are also gripping, and need more than one listen to fully appreciate.
HORION is:
Jej : guitar, vocals
Tony : drums
Priam : cello
Guillaume : guitar
Eric : bass
Doom includes four tracks for a total length of 21 minutes. Drums were recorded by Iñaki Pla, and Horion recorded everything else. The EP was mixed by Jej, and it was mastered by Eric Dorléans at Notos Productions. The cover art was created by Bram Bruyneel.
Doom will be available on CD and digital formats, and Void Wanderer recommends it for fans of Dissection, Keep Of Kalessin, Glaciation, and Regarde les Hommes Tomber.
P.S. You’ll find the lyrics for “Stronghold” below the links.
PRE-ORDER:
https://voidwanderer.com/product/horion-doom-cd/
HORION:
https://www.facebook.com/wearehorion
https://www.instagram.com/wearehorion
VOID WANDERER:
https://www.facebook.com/voidwandererprod
https://www.instagram.com/voidwandererproductions
STRONGHOLD
The cities stand strong
Unyielding
A storm looms
Dark and threatening
A battle for souls
Fear fills the street
But hope remains
The scourge upon them
In shadows, they whisper
RE SI STANCE
“I breathe……I am”
“I sing…..The Dirge “
Dig their graves…
Yet… their hearts
Will beat, with defiance…
DIG THEIR GRAVES