Post-black metal isn’t exactly an uncommon thing any more thanks to plenty of other black metal bands, whether they were atmospheric or not, breaking new grounds for themselves in the realm of post-metal in some form as they can produce a new sound that still echoes what they set out for originally. While some may find it boring, I find it greatly interesting to see a band or artist evolve their sound into something different. In the case of L’Homme Absurde though, they’ve always been post-black metal and, thus, have been honing their interesting craft for many years and albums now, and nowhere else it is as prevalent than in their upcoming work.

There are many times where a band of any style that blends together black metal with whatever else be it something atmospheric or not where the band in question finds a hard time balancing the two distinct styles. It can lead to quite a sonic mess with the band not really knowing exactly how to execute the sound they’re going for, but that’s far from a problem for the likes of L’Homme Absurde who’ve been doing this long enough to know they can easily fend for themselves, and that’s as obvious as could be with the likes of “Belong” soon being added to their already respectable catalog. It brings together all the great aspects that the realm of post-black metal possibly could with it’s fascinating transitions from unyielding black metal to an excellent quality of post-metal the likes of which we don’t often get to see paired with its partner in crime here, and it’s with every single track here that L’Homme Absurde shows us just how well they are at delivering their craft. “Belong” is captivating right from the beginning with loads of twists and turns to keep it all amazingly engrossing in even its simplest of moments which even those are done with remarkable expertise the likes of which carry on in every single track we’re treated to here. It culminates into what’s possibly the most impressive work of its kind that I’ve seen in several months, and will definitely be serving as a new standard for the realm of post-black metal for me throughout all of next year.

It would be both bold and foolish to claim this as one of next year’s most promising starts for a style that we could’ve asked for, but I know damn well this is a hell of a good start for both the world of post-black metal and L’Homme Absurde as we forge our way into 2020. “Belong” leads the charge in spectacular fashion and stands as a work I cannot help but recommend for any fan of the style.

“Belong” releases on January 17th!

LISTEN to L’Homme Absurde on Bandcamp here.

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