Review by Jeger on January 20, 2025.

"To breathe the essence of the '90s / 2000s black metal, which inspired the musician, towards an acoustic and introspective dark music…". Like the soundtrack to an epic film and simply outclassing most of what's being produced by today's underground black metal scene are Wÿntër Ärvn and L'Orage Noir - the former is a solo dark folk project helmed by one Simon Brette - a Frenchman and a visionary artist. The latter is the third LP installment in his discography. "L'Orage Noir" is like a much less quirky version of dungeon synth. Familiar adventurous vibes and all those highly immersive, ritualistic and rustic passages, but not for the storming of a dungeon but for introspection. Blackened to the bone acoustics - divine strings to weave a most elegant sonic tapestry before a backdrop of engaging atmospheric elements and tribal rhythms is what to expect. Like that meditation music you listen to when you're trying to fall asleep, except for the fact that it actually keeps you awake: locked in, focused and in a cathartic state as visceral valleys are dredged and ecstatic peaks are mounted.

"Remembrances" - as alluring as the Will-o'-the wisp" and melodic as somber days are long. Running the Hills now, desperate as a child, in remembrance of better days and yearning for some long-faded spark of youth. Deep chants provide a contemplative expression. As the melody orbits the rhythm, and as those blessed acoustic guitars danse, as the pipes wail and as the suspense builds, it's with an overbearing sense of paradoxical melancholy. What a nicely balanced cut. I've never actually listened to this particular type of music for this long. Never had the desire to until now. L'Orage Noir hits like an acoustic version of Watain's Bathory tribute track, "They Rode On", but with so much more to boast as far as aesthetics are concerned. Growls, chants and hypnotic female cleans to compound an already captivating experience. So many moods to feel, so many thoughts to race… L'Orage Noir - a life experience to be treasured over and over again.

Midway through, we encounter "Vingt Ans De Brouillard". Times of quizzical wonder about our next life move, times of limbo and times of uncertainty captured so eloquently - just the beauty of being is enough here. Getting lost in this thing and not fighting it. Soundtracking my every thought and memory is every second of runtime. Music for epiphany! For enlightenment. Retrospective and foreshadowing at the same time, L'Orage Noir is a bipolar adventure through the realm of human consciousness - all of the darkest corridors illuminated under torch light as we traverse into emotional chasms where only the brave dare. Mystification is the key word here. Yes, L'Orage Noir is a melodic record, but it's the drama and the visuals that keep you at full attention.

This is what makes the underground sacred: records like L'Orage Noir and record labels like Antiq. Standard setting material created under the gaze of one of the underground's most scrutinizing production overseers. Talent, class and a hint of prestige all standing paramount during the making of this one. That along with a slew of musician/vocalist contributions and even a little hurdy gurdy action. Seize the day and succumb to the night! A myriad of emotions does L'Orage Noir stir up - a lifetime's worth in the time it takes to imbibe a glass of Kentucky bourbon. Wonder and introspection, dread and sorrow along with beauty akin to a crisp Autumnal day amidst the ruins or within the forest to hold you hostage - frozen within these minutes like some soothing form of sleep paralysis as the soundscapes and the music work their magic. Prepare to trek back to a simpler time or perhaps forward into what you wish to become with Wÿntër Ärvn and L'Orage Noir.

Rating: 9 out of 10