On occasion, black metal can really take on a form that is simply the definition of splendorous. That’s not something that people tend to think of whenever black metal is the sound in question, but it’s in the right hands that anything is possible with the sound with its themes of nature oftentimes being a focal point for albums that manage to tap into that magic. Far from strangers to that, Cantique Lépreux is a name that should be well known by anyone who considers themselves even a mild aficionado of modern black metal. Twisting that magnificence to weave a narrative that’s as harrowing as it is grand for their third full-length album, Cantique Lépreux only impresses with this magnificent opus.

While many of us would fairly expect any black metal with themes of nature to be atmospheric in nature, Cantique Lépreux ensures from the very beginning that expectations are subverted with presentation and storytelling of a sort that blows the listener away even well after the creation comes to a close. Telling a girl who had been tainted by those who were supposed to be her protectors, “Le Bannissement” shows her flee into a wholly untamed wilderness where her battle becomes inward with countless battlements within the mind and constant self-healing. Through an immensely hypnotic nature driven by fast-paced black metal that only succeeds in pulling the listener deeper within the forested realm within with Cantique Lépreux holds complete dominion over, the alluring melodies quickly enables “Le Bannissement” to take on a life of its own that’s multi-dimensional, evocative, and downright intense from the very onset. It’s through their dense craft that Cantique Lépreux has quickly become one of the need-to-know names in their respective scene with any of the seven tracks that are featured here a brilliant illustration of that. Through exile comes liberation. Compelling right from that start of this harrowing journey, “Le Bannissement” holds nothing back and leaves nothing to chance.

Very quickly did Cantique Lépreux rise to the occasion to deliver excellence within the renowned Québec black metal realm with their first two albums showing off more than enough fascinating elements to ensure that this act would become something that simply cannot be denied. For every step along the way, “Le Bannissement” more than lives up to that reputation and only furthers the excellence that is sure to continue from here on out.

“Le Bannissement” releases on March 29th via Eisenwald!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Le Bannissement” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Cantique Lépreux on Facebook here.