AZGAAL: Barzaiel (BLACK METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Despite twenty-three years and seven albums, Azgaal had never reached the ears of yours truly (and he's not the only one)! So what is this well-kept secret that many of us are now discovering through "Barzaiel", his latest mischief? Well, strictly speaking, it's not a band at all, since it's made up of a single member, Naïwyn, who plays all the instruments in a solitary format common in black metal, since that's the genre to which it belongs.

But you still need to know what kind of black metal you're talking about, as there are a multitude of definitions behind the term. While their one-man-band nature might suggest that they are the emissaries of crude or depressive expression, Azgaal's sophistication and constant concern for melody are astonishing. The form is gaunt, but the surprising use of clear vocals and luminously pure guitars disrupts an identification that is more difficult than it seems. In fact, the black art that the Frenchman fashions clearly eludes preconceived labels. Which is, of course, a good thing.

Another quality to his credit is his excellent technical prowess. The album suffers from no clumsiness whatsoever, wrapped up in a very clean sonic fuselage. Too much, perhaps, for some, who will regret its over-polished appearance, which is ultimately helped by its very accessible approach. While Azgaal may try to say too much (the album spans over an hour), and the clear vocals may not always be appropriate ('On The Road To Apocalypse'), there's no shortage of good ideas on this album, and the compositions are both catchy and creeping, full of melody without diluting the vicious, unhealthy sap. Some of them are really very effective, even if they sometimes seem to go off in all directions, wavering between various influences. But 'Hell Is Here', 'Angel Of War' and even 'Brecheliant' (sung in french) hit the nail on the head, haunting you long after you've finished listening.

"Barzaiel" is an excellent surprise from a musician whose years of tinkering in the shadows have finally paid off. - Official website

AZGAAL

BARZAIEL

AUTRE LABEL

BLACK METAL